Kidnap-and-rob crew targeting Chicago nightlife districts strikes 3 more times, police say

An armed robbery crew that has been targeting victims in Chicago nightlife districts struck again on Sunday morning, bringing the total number of incidents to at least 15. The group, which remains at large, has been kidnapping victims and draining their bank accounts.

The latest robberies occurred in Wrigleyville on North Clark Street, followed by two incidents in River North on North La Salle and East Ohio Street. The robbers are known to approach victims in nightlife areas, forcibly take their phones and belongings, and then use the stolen devices to conduct unauthorized financial transactions. In some cases, victims were coerced into the crew’s vehicle and driven around while the group carried out fraudulent banking transactions.

The pattern of robberies began in early April and has since spread across the North Side and Near North Side. Incidents have been reported in Wrigleyville on North Clark Street and in River North on West Hubbard Street. The crew has also been linked to robberies on East Ohio Street, North Broadway, North Dearborn Street, North Wabash Avenue, and North Clark Street.

According to a recent alert from the Chicago Police Department, the robbers are described as up to four Black men between 25 and 40 years old, ranging from 5-foot-6 to 6-foot-5 and 140 to 250 pounds. The group has been seen using various vehicles, including a dark-colored SUV, a silver four-door sedan, a dark-colored four-door sedan, and a black BMW SUV.

Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Area Three detectives at 312-744-8263 or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com, referencing crime pattern #P26-3-015.

This ongoing crime spree underscores the importance of staying vigilant and taking precautions when out in nightlife areas. The safety and security of residents and visitors are paramount, and law enforcement officials are working diligently to apprehend those responsible for these brazen attacks.