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| Raymond Kellum and the approximate location of the attack | CPD; Multiplottr |
Prosecutors say a man who just completed a 30-year sentence for robbery and home invasion is responsible for the violent mugging and pistol-whipping of a woman in Lincoln Square last week. But a helpful neighbor and quick-acting cops brought the horrifying ordeal to a positive conclusion.
The 30-year-old victim told police that she had just parked near her home in the 5200 block of North Wolcott around 12:45 a.m. last Thursday when she was approached by a gunman who wore a surgical mask. The man demanded money, she said, but she did not have any cash to give him.
Police said the offender then forced the woman face-first into the exterior wall of her home and held her at gunpoint while searching her bag and coat for valuables.
“Don’t make me shoot you,” the man repeatedly warned the victim, according to prosecutors.
Even though the woman’s hands and face were pinned to the wall of her home, the man ordered her to stop moving and then pistol-whipped her in the back of the head, which forced her forehead into the structure, according to police.
After removing and disposing of the woman’s phone, the offender took a few items from her purse, including a combination “stud finder” and laser ruler. He then forced the woman to walk about 40 feet at gunpoint until he ran to his car and sped from the area, the woman said.
Unbeknownst to the victim and the robber, a woman who lives directly next to the victim called 911 while the robbery was in progress because she heard the offender repeatedly saying “don’t make me shoot you.”
The neighbor provided police with a description of the offender’s get-away car and even took photos of the vehicle with her cellphone.
Responding officers soon located a vehicle that matched the witness’ description in the 4700 block of North Paulina. There, officers watched as 66-year-old Raymond Kellum stepped out of the driver’s seat with a surgical mask around his neck, according to court records.
Cops stopped Kellum and found a handgun in the snow next to his vehicle. A “stud finder” with laser ruler was also located outside his car. The victim identified Kellum, his distinctive coat, and her stud finder.
Prosecutors have charged Kellum with Class X felony armed robbery with a firearm. Judge John Lyke ordered him held without bail.
Court records show that in 1990 Kellum was sentenced to four concurrent 30-year terms for home invasion, armed robbery, and aggravated kidnapping for an incident that took place in south suburban Harvey on Dec. 3, 1988.
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