Residents of Chicago’s Near West Side are on alert after the Chicago Police Department (CPD) issued a community warning about a series of armed robberies. According to the CPD, the string of incidents have occurred on beat 1214 & 1215 and 1231, involving four male suspects who approach victims in the early morning or evening hours. Detailed in the notice, which can be found on the CPD’s website, the offenders, all African American and aged between 18 to 25, wear red face masks and arrive at the scene in a white vehicle before robbing victims at gunpoint.
The recent spate of robberies includes an occurrence on August 23 at 3:00 a.m. on the 1500 block of West Fulton Street, another on September 1 at 5:00 a.m. on the 700 block of North Morgan Street, and the most recent, on September 5 at 9:38 p.m. on the 900 block of South Marshfield Avenue. Dressed in a maroon hoodie, a black face mask, and dark blue sweatpants, the suspects take all personal property from each victim and flee the scene with the fourth offender who acts as a driver.
CPD has advised the public to stay vigilant and be on the lookout for suspicious vehicles, especially those matching the description of the white vehicle used by the suspects, or if it appears to be driving at slow speeds, making U-turns, or housing four occupants. Those living in proximity have been urged to alert family and friends about the ongoing threat. In case of a confrontation, the police recommend staying calm. Victims should avoid touching anything that could compromise evidence and are advised to call 911 immediately to report the crime with as much descriptive detail of the offenders and their vehicle as possible, including the license plate information if visible…