Two violent armed men beat and robbed customers and employees at a North Center service station early Wednesday, then fled in one of the customers’ cars, Chicago police said.
It all unfolded at the Shell station, 4346 North Western, around 12:45 a.m.
Police said two men arrived at the station in a dark-colored Toyota Prius and confronted the station employee as he took out the trash. They held him at gunpoint and made him go back inside, where the offenders pistol-whipped two auto mechanics working in the service area, according to CPD.
The robbers took wallets and other victims from the mechanics, who are 25- and 62-years-old, and kicked the older man in his face and head, police said.
They then ordered the other mechanic to open the safe. When the employee could not open it, the robbers took cash from the register and merchandise from the store.
Police said the offenders then punched the employee who had been taking out the trash in his face and then attacked and robbed a 33-year-old Wisconsin man who was a customer.
The robbers then drove away with the customer’s 2012 Four Taurus and the Prius they arrived in. Both vehicles were seen heading northbound on Western Avenue.
An ambulance transported the 62-year-old to Swedish Covenant in fair condition, police said. The other victims declined medical attention.
According to police, the robbers are two Black males who stand about 5’10” tall and appear to be in their 20’s. The stolen Taurus has Wisconsin license plates and damage to its left front bumper that was being held together with duct tape.
Area Three detectives are investigating.