Second man charged in violent crosstown robbery and kidnapping spree
A second man has been charged in connection with a series of violent robberies and kidnappings that have plagued Chicago in recent weeks. Tmajhae Cole, 18, is accused of serving as the driver for the crew responsible for these crimes, speeding across the city, running red lights, and evading police. Prosecutors allege that Cole and his accomplices may have committed up to 28 holdups, although they have only been charged with four so far.
The first incident took place on November 19 in the 1700 block of North Keeler, where a 38-year-old man was attacked by three armed men who stole his belongings. A surveillance camera captured the assault, showing the attackers brandishing weapons and assaulting the victim.
In subsequent attacks, the crew targeted individuals on the streets, demanding their possessions at gunpoint. In one instance, a 52-year-old man was struck in the head with a gun while taking out his trash, and in another, a 34-year-old man was forced into a car and driven around the city as the assailants attempted to withdraw money from his bank account.
The crew’s crime spree came to an end when they abandoned a victim in an alley and were apprehended by police. Both Cole and his accomplice, Marquis Terry, face multiple felony charges, including kidnapping, armed robbery, and aggravated battery.
This is not Terry’s first brush with the law, as he was previously found in possession of a stolen machine gun at a Chicago high school. Despite being sentenced to five years in prison for the offense, Terry was released early due to credit earned during his time in jail awaiting trial.
The recent arrest of Cole and Terry sheds light on the ongoing issue of violent crime in Chicago and the challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing these crimes. The collaboration between police and prosecutors in bringing these perpetrators to justice highlights the importance of community safety and the need for continued efforts to combat criminal activity in the city.
