Serial armed robber has struck more than 20 times across North Side and Little Village, police say

December 23, 2021 7:26 PM CWBChicago Edgewater, Rogers Park

Update December 24 — A suspect is in custody. (Story)

An armed robber who held up several North Side convenience stores over the weekend is responsible for more than 20 street muggings and business robberies across the city, police said in a community alert.

The suspect’s crimes, which began on November 22, have taken place mainly in Little Village and Rogers Park, according to the alert, which said some of his victims described him as “polite.”

We first reported on the man last week after the 20th (Lincoln) Police District tweeted these images of him following two robberies in Edgewater:

Chicago police released these images of a man who allegedly committed a series of robberies across the city. | CPD

When the man robs a business, he demands property while displaying a handgun, and victims have told police that he signals for them to remain quiet by putting his index finger to his lips. He has targeted different kinds of businesses, but convenience stores and liquor stores have been hit most often.

Victims who have been robbed on the street told police that he approached them from behind, often as they neared their apartment building. He displayed a gun and demanded their valuables — although some victims said he speaks “in a polite manner,” the CPD alert said.

He usually commits more than one robbery in a short amount of time, and he travels in rental cars that bear out-of-state plates, police said. Most recently, he used a silver Mitsubishi with Texas plates, according to the alert.

Here is a list of the locations and times when CPD says the man has struck. We have added information about where each robbery took place based on public records. We have also linked to our coverage of a crime, when available.

Police said the robber is a Black male who stands 5’9″ to 6’2″ tall and may have a tattoo on his neck. He wears a black face mask and often wears a black Nike-branded sweatshirt, although he has worn other colors, according to the alert. He also wears black gloves.

Anyone with information about the man can call detectives at 312-744-8263 or 312-746-8253 about crime pattern #21-CWP-030.

Facts first. 100% reader-funded. Click here to support CWBChicago today.