Chicagoans on the North and West sides have been on high after an uptick of armed robberies and carjackings occurred. Chicago Police Department has issued an alert to citizens after seven incidents occurred in a 24-hour period. The robberies were reported in Pilsen, Ukrainian Village, Rogers Park, Lincoln Park, North Center, Bucktown, and Edgewater.
These robberies happened earlier this week. In each incident, three to four robbers approached the victims as they sat in their vehicles. Then, they pulled out firearms and demanded the victim’s hand over personal items before commandeering their cars.
The armed robberies and carjackings occurred:
- On April 24 (Monday) about 11 p.m. in the 3600 block of Noth Wolcott.
- Tuesday (April 25) at 3:15 p.m. in the 5900 block of North Ridge.
- At 4:30 a.m. on the 25th in the 600 block of North Wolcott.
- In the 600 block of West 18th Street Tuesday at 5:10 a.m.
- At about 6:30 a.m. in the 7200 block of North Clark Street on Tuesday.
- In the 1100 block of West Wrightwood Avenue at 9:10 p.m. Tuesday evening.
- Tuesday evening at 9:36 p.m. in the 900 block of North Western Avenue.
Additionally, the suspects in these crimes are believed to be around 18-24 years old. They were all wearing dark clothing and face masks. Furthermore, CPD is asking people with information in regard to these armed robberies to call detectives at (312)744-8263.
Other Armed Robberies
On Wednesday evening, two armed robbers entered a liquor store in Logan Square. Moreover, the incident happened in the 3500 block of West Fullerton Avenue at 10:08 p.m.
Moreover, upon entering the store the suspects announced it was a robbery before demanding money from the clerk. In addition, they robbed a male customer.
Afterward, the armed robbers left in a white Volkswagen sedan. Area Five detectives are investigating the incident. Currently, no suspect has been apprehended.
Armed Robberies on the Northwest Side
On April 23, an 18-year-old and two younger teens allegedly robbed two people at gunpoint. Around 11:30 p.m. on Sunday evening, Marquese Simmons, along with a 16 and 14-year-old, robbed a woman and a 19-year-old male at gunpoint. The incident occurred in the 4200 block of North Dickens Avenue in Hermosa.
Additionally, the 14-year-old allegedly robbed a 39-year-old woman at gunpoint moments earlier in the 3700 block of West Potomac Avenue in Humboldt Park. Officers arrested the trio just before midnight in the West Englewood neighborhood. Apparently, they were in possession of a stolen vehicle.
They were all charged with criminal trespass to a vehicle. Furthermore, the 16-year-old has been charged with two counts of armed robbery with a firearm. Additionally, the 14-year-old was charged with possession of a controlled substance, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, and three counts of armed robbery with a firearm. Simmons was scheduled to appear in bond court on Tuesday.
Be Careful
People need to be vigilant of their surroundings. These armed robberies are just the icing to the string of violent crimes that have been plaguing the city.
By Sheena Robertson
Sources:
Fox 32 Chicago: 3 teens charged in armed robberies on Chicago’s Northwest Side
ABC7: Chicago crime: Masked gunmen rob Logan Square liquor store, police say
Chicago Sun-Times: Police issue alert after seven armed robberies and carjackings on North and West sides over 24 hours
Top and Featured Image Courtesy of Marco Verch Professional Photographer‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Marco Verch Professional Photographer‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
