December 15, 2009 :: Community

Community Alert - Armed Robbery

A safety alert from Alderman Vi Daley...

The 18th District Police Department has sent out an alert regarding an armed robbery this past Sunday, December 13, 2009 at approximately 11:15PM.  There are two reports of similar incidents. 

A resident was approached on the 800 block of West Dickens by a man with a blue steel semi-automatic handgun who demanded the victim turn over his money.  After giving the offender his wallet, the offender ran west bound on Dickens.  The victim remembers seeing a black or blue conversion type van (late 90's or early 00's, with running boards, tinted windows, shades closed and elongated brake lights in the back) cruising the neighborhood. 

The offender was described as a male black, 25-35 years of age, 6'01", 190 lbs., wearing a hooded jacket with fur, possibly grey in color.  

The police do not know if there is a connection between the vehicle and the robbery at this time.  However, a similar incident took place less than hour prior to this one on the 2000 block of North Lincoln Avenue.  A third robbery is being investigated outside of the 43rd Ward and outside of the 18th District but in the adjacent 19th District, I do not yet have any solid information but understand that there were similar circumstances.

As always, be aware of your surroundings.  If you see any suspicious vehicles or persons, please call 9-1-1.