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| This screengrab shows the victim being held at gunpoint. See full video HERE. | Chicago Police |
Police on Tuesday released surveillance video that captured an armed robbery in Chinatown last week from start-to-finish. While the crime took place well out of our usual reporting area, the video provides valuable lessons for all of us.
The clip begins with what’s believed to be the offenders driving down West 23rd Street at 11:54 p.m. last Wednesday. Moments after the car is out of frame, a woman is seen walking down the sidewalk in the opposite direction. She’s not on her phone and she appears to be paying attention to where she’s going.
Unfortunately, the robbers here use a familiar technique: They passed the victim in their car, stopped, got out and snuck up on her from behind. Within seconds, there was a gun pointed at her face, four strangers surrounding her, and a man going through her pockets.
What you’ll see in the video is a textbook example of how many robberies play out across the city. Lesson: Pay attention to what’s happening behind you. Pay particular attention to cars that pull up behind you and stop in the street or, alternatively, pass you and then stop.
By the way, if you recognize any of the individuals or have information about the robbery seen in this video, call Detective Dezonno at 312-747-8227. You can also submit an anonymous tip at cpdtip.com
