Crime & Safety
Wicker Park Robber Wanted 'Birthday Money', Police Say
A soon-to-be 22-year-old East Garfield Park man reportedly robbed a woman in Wicker Park over the weekend in hopes of scoring some money for his upcoming birthday. He wound up with a whopping $4, which doesn't come close to his bail value, accordin
A 21-year-old man accused of robbing a woman in Wicker Park told police he wanted money for his birthday, according to reports.
But police said Jerry Warren Jr., of East Garfield Park, only scored $4 in the Dec. 2 crime, according to an ABC7 News report. Police say he robbed a 29-year-old woman around 8 p.m. Saturday in the 1800 block of West Ellen Street.
He remained in custody Monday on a $125,000 bail and faces one count of robbery, police said.
Find out what's happening in Bucktown-Wicker Parkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Chicago Tribune cites the police report, saying that Warren told officers, "I just wanted money for my birthday! I’m looking for work and can’t find any! Please! I don’t want to go to jail for $4!"
He was arrested after police broadcast his description and found him walking in the area, the Tribune story says. The victim confirmed him as the culprit, it says.
Find out what's happening in Bucktown-Wicker Parkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Get more local stories like these delivered right to your inbox or smartphone with our free newsletter. Fast signup here.
Warren's birthday is Dec. 19, according to the Cook County Sheriff's Department. He is scheduled to return to court Dec. 7 for a status hearing.
"He will have to post more than 3,000 times more than the amount he is accused of stealing to leave jail," the ABC 7 report says
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
