String of South Side Armed Robberies Spurs Warning From Chicago Police

CHICAGO - Police are warning residents to be on high alert in the wake of several nearby armed robberies within the city's 9th district.

All of the incidents occurred in succession this month, and included suspects who approached victims to forcefully demand their personal property, according to a community alert. The group of robbers is armed with handguns.

Police say the offenders are Black men between the ages of 16 and 20 years old. They're estimated to each stand around 5 feet 10 inches tall, wear hooded sweatshirts, and use bandannas to cover their faces. They have been seen driving a grey or white sport utility vehicle of an unknown make and model.

Reported incidents include:

Friday, Aug. 18

• 4:30 a.m. in the 4400 Block of South Talman Avenue
• 5:09 a.m. in the 3800 Block of South Albany Avenue
• 5:15 a.m. in the 2600 Block of West 38th Street
• 5:21 a.m. in the 1600 Block of West 46th Street

Wednesday, Aug. 23

• 6:25 a.m. in the 3500 Block of West 38th Place
• 6:30 a.m. in the 3300 Block of West 38th Place
• 6:30 - 6:45 a.m. in the 4400 Block of South Campbell Avenue
• 6:40 a.m. in the 3100 Block of West 42nd Place
• 6:40 a.m. in the 5200 Block of South Mozart Street

• Always be aware of their surroundings;
• Immediately report suspicious activity;
• Remain calm if confronted by an assailant;
• Remember any unique physical characteristics, such as scars, a limp, acne and teeth;
• Provide information to police rather than pursuing a feeling assailant; and
• Save any video surveillance footage for investigating detectives.

Anyone with information about the recent robberies is asked to contact the Bureau of Detectives – Area Central at 312-747-8382.

JA-396782, JA-395868, JA-395889, JA-395883, JA-402543, JA-402553, JA-402557, JA-402602, JA-402668

Reference: P17-1-218A/P17-1-225 and Area South P17-2-082

Photo by Ken via Flickr Commons