Chicago cops, some on the ground and others in a helicopter, worked together to apprehend four suspects following a series of thefts reported Wednesday evening between the West Loop and Hyde Park. Detectives are currently investigating how many crimes the suspects may be responsible for.
Starting approximately at 9:15 p.m., police responded to at least 11 robberies involving 14 or more victims before apprehending the perpetrators more than two hours later.
According to preliminary Chicago Police Department investigations, in the majority of the robberies, two or three guys dressed in ski masks and dark clothing accosted victims on the street with at least one firearm. Some victims witnessed the culprits fleeing in an SUV, while others saw a sedan, and some saw no vehicle at all.
The crime spree began around 9:15 p.m., when a woman and two friends were robbed at gunpoint of their wallets and phones on West Madison in the West Loop.
Minutes later, another heist occurred at Morgan and 18th Street, followed by one at Morgan and 16th Street. The suspects grabbed keys, wallets, phones, and a laptop.
Around 9:35 p.m., a woman was robbed near her residence at 100 South Aberdeen. She said three males approached her and demanded her phone and money at gunpoint.
Among the robberies reported:
- A man was targeted by two gunmen in the 1600 block of West Cullerton around 9:58 p.m.
- A woman was mugged by three robbers in the 3300 block of South Lowe around 10:15 p.m.
- Four men robbed another man in the 1100 block of West Pershing around 10:20 p.m.
- A man was robbed of his keys and wallet by armed suspects near 31st Street and Archer Avenue around 10:35 p.m.
- A man was robbed at gunpoint by two gunmen who took his phone and valuables in the 4200 block of South Langley around 11:15 p.m.
- Four men robbed a victim in the 4700 block of South Laflin around 11:20 p.m.
- At 11:25 p.m., three men jumped out of a vehicle to rob a victim in the 5400 block of South Blackstone.
Five minutes after the Blackstone heist, a CPD ground unit spotted a black Mitsubishi, a vehicle frequently seen near robbery sites. A nearby CPD helicopter crew quickly began monitoring the car, which had fled from officers.
Officers apprehended four people who fled the car in the 800 block of East 37th Street shortly afterward. The officers also discovered a pistol close to the vehicle.
Investigators are now attempting to connect the individuals to the robberies using lineups, video evidence, and other methods.