CHICAGO — Armed men have physically attacked and robbed at least three victims this month on the Near West Side, going so far as to kidnap one of the victims and forcing them to withdraw money from an ATM, Chicago police say.
In a community alert, CPD said three men confronted the victims on the street and ordered them to hand over money. When the victims refused to comply, the group pulled out a handgun and an “assault style rifle” to provide some motivation. CPD’s alert said the crew also became violent with victims who tried to stop them from searching their pockets for valuables.
The alert said the crew had gotten away with cash, jewelry, a wallet, credit and debit cards, and a Green Card.
During one robbery, the group forced a victim into a Chevy and drove them to an ATM to withdraw money, police said.
Robberies were reported in the 2100 block of South Wood at 12:30 a.m. on October 7; the 800 block of South Western Avenue at 12:02 p.m. on October 11; and the 1700 block of West Ogden at 11:30 p.m. on October 12.
Police released three suspect descriptions:
- Hispanic man with a tattoo on his face wearing a ball cap, bandana, black jacket, and a red shirt
- Hispanic man wearing a red ball cap, bandana, black shirt, and dark jeans
- Hispanic man with a scar on his face wearing a ball cap and a bandana
One of the men keeps a pistol inside a camouflage fanny pack.
Area Three detectives are investigating the crimes. They can be contacted at 312-744-8263.
