#9 and #10: Serial robber strikes two more times on North Side

Approximate locations of the robberies.

A serial robber who has been targeting 7-Eleven stores and Subway restaurants on the North Side struck two more times on Tuesday afternoon, according to police records. The man, who sometimes works with an accomplice, is now suspected of committing at least 10 robberies since August 24.

Just before 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, the offender implied he had a weapon as he robbed the 7-Eleven store at 3801 North Western. He fled eastbound from the scene. It’s the second time the man has robbed that location since Sunday.

Then, about 30 minutes later, he again implied that he had a weapon as he robbed the Subway restaurant at 3167 North Lincoln. This time, he fled southbound in a nearby alley.

No accomplice was seen during Tuesday’s hold-ups. However, the offender was again wearing distinctive yellow gym shoes.

The robber, who has been seen using a bicycle to get around, struck four times over the weekend — in Uptown, Lakeview, and Lincoln Square.

Police issued a community alert last week after the offender and his sometime-accomplice pulled off their first four robberies.

The man’s technique has quickly evolved, too. Early in the spree, the primary offender hopped counters to steal merchandise and cash while another man served as a lookout. 

Over the weekend, the offender appeared to go solo while continuing to jump counters and sometimes complain about the scant proceeds he was getting from the crimes. On Tuesday, the man began implying that he had a weapon as he robbed the shops.

The main offender is a Black male with short hair who’s between 15- and 20-years-old. In some recent cases, he wore a black t-shirt, black shorts with the word “Adidas” on the side, and distinctive yellow gym shoes.

Police said his accomplice is a Black male between 15- and 20-years-old who stands 5’7” to 5’10” tall and weighs 120-150 pounds.

Prior to Tuesday’s crimes, other robberies linked to the pattern were reported at:

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