Kidnap-and-rob crew targeting Chicago nightlife districts strikes 3 more times, police say – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
Chicago – An armed crew that has been kidnapping victims from nightlife areas and draining their bank accounts carried out three more robberies early Sunday morning, bringing the total linked incidents to at least 15 over the past several weeks. Chicago police issued a fresh alert describing the group as still at large and operating with the same brazen tactics. The latest attacks occurred in Wrigleyville and River North, two of the city’s busiest entertainment zones.
Sequence of Sunday Morning Attacks
The first robbery took place around 2 a.m. in the 3600 block of North Clark Street in Wrigleyville. Two additional incidents followed in River North, one near the 600 block of North La Salle around 4 a.m. and another in the first block of East Ohio Street shortly before 5 a.m. In each case the crew approached people leaving bars and clubs, seized phones and other belongings, and used the stolen devices to make unauthorized financial transfers. One victim on Sunday was forced into the group’s vehicle and driven around while the transactions were completed.
Established Pattern Across North Side Locations
Police have now connected the crew to a string of similar holdups that began April 5 in the 100 block of West Ontario Street. Four of the earlier robberies occurred in the 3500 block of North Clark Street in Wrigleyville on separate nights in late April and early May. Additional attacks were recorded on West Hubbard Street, East Ohio Street, North Broadway, North Dearborn Street, North Wabash Avenue, and North Clark Street. The consistent method involves approaching victims on foot or at gunpoint, taking phones, and immediately exploiting them for cash withdrawals or transfers.
Suspect Descriptions and Vehicles
Detectives describe the offenders as up to four Black men between 25 and 40 years old, with heights ranging from 5-foot-6 to 6-foot-5 and weights between 140 and 250 pounds. The group has used multiple vehicles, including a dark-colored SUV, a silver four-door sedan, a dark-colored four-door sedan, and a black BMW SUV. These details appear in the most recent Chicago Police Department alert distributed to officers and the public.
Information Sought From the Public
Anyone with details about the robberies or the vehicles involved is asked to contact Area Three detectives at 312-744-8263. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through CPDTIP.com using the reference crime pattern number P26-3-015. Police continue to monitor nightlife districts and urge visitors to remain aware of their surroundings when leaving entertainment venues late at night.
