An armed robber fired shots while mugging a man near the Magnificent Mile on Monday afternoon, police said. Less than an hour later, two women were robbed nearby. The incidents do not appear to be connected.
Police said a 29-year-old man was walking in the 700 block of North Rush when someone tried to take his shopping bag around 2:15 p.m., police said. The offender displayed a handgun and then fired three shots toward the victim, who fell to the ground. He was not seriously injured. Police said the victim declined medical attention.
The robber fled from the scene eastbound in a silver Ford Explorer with the man’s property. Police believe the Explorer was stolen overnight from a car dealership.
CPD did not release a description of the robber. Officers recovered at least one shell casing near the rear entrance of the old Chicago Place shopping mall at 713 North Rush.
About 45 minutes later, two women were robbed of a purse and shopping bags as they walked near Rush and Superior streets, about a block from where the first robbery unfolded.
The women said a man wrestled away a blue handbag and two Victoria’s Secret bags containing recent purchases. He then fled north on Rush Street.
