Approximate locations of four robberies listed in the community alert |
A series of armed robberies in the 19th (Town Hall) Police District over the past few days have prompted Chicago police to issue a community alert for the area. Detectives typically issue alerts when they believe a series of crimes are the work of a single person or group.
Four hold-ups are listed in the alert, including the armed robbery of Tuco and Blondie, a popular Southport Corridor restaurant that was targeted after closing time on Sunday night. Police say three robbers displayed handguns to “control” the restaurant staff before taking all of the eatery’s cash from the safe around 12:15 a.m. on Monday. Personal property was also taken from the employees, according to previously-released information.
During three street robberies, the offenders have either thrown the victim to the ground or displayed handguns, police said. Here are the dates and times of the three muggings along with details from CWBChicago’s previous reporting:
The 1700 block of West Melrose at approximately 12:10 a.m. on Thursday, July 26
A man was robbed at gunpoint by two strangers who approached him from behind and asked him for a cigarette. After asking for a smoke, one of the men put a gun to the victim’s head and robbed him, police said. The two then fled east and disappeared at Paulina.
The 2700 block of North Hampden at approximately 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 29
A woman told police that two men attacked her and stole her purse then fled southbound on Hampden.
The 600 block of West Drummond at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 29
A woman was beaten and robbed by three men who may have exited a black Chevy Impala with dark tinted windows. She was attacked and robbed by the men who fled northbound on Orchard on foot.
Three suspects are described in the community alert:
• A black male 18-30 years old, 5’9” to 6-feet tall, with dreadlocks
• A black male 18-25 years old, 5’7” to 5’8” tall, 130-160 pounds, red baseball hat
• A black male, 5’10” tall, 240 pounds
Anyone with information about the crimes can contact Area North detectives at 312-744-8263.