Chicago police investigating rash of armed robberies overnight

CHICAGO - Chicago police are investigating a string of armed robberies overnight in the city's 14th District.

Each victim was approached by two to five offenders, who were in stolen or hijacked vehicles between 9:20 p.m. and 1:48 a.m. 

Two women, 22 and 28 years old, were walking to a vehicle in the 1600 block of North Wolcott around 11:30 p.m. when they were approached by the armed men. The women complied with the offenders and handed over their personal property, police said.

About 30 minutes later, a 26-year-old man was getting out of his vehicle in the 3500 block of West Pierce when he was chased by the suspects. The offenders struck the man in his face and stole his personal belongings before fleeing the area. The victim sustained minor bruising and refused medical attention.

When the offenders attacked a female just a few blocks away on West Beach Avenue, a 24-year-old man intervened and pulled out his own gun. The man exchanged gunfire with the robbers, but no one was injured. Police said they recovered a gun from the scene.

Police believe all nine robberies were committed by the same individuals. 

The locations of the robberies are listed below: 

• 1700 block of West Wabansia Avenue on Oct. 21 at 9:20 p.m.
• 1600 block of North Leavitt Street on Oct. 21 at 9:22 p.m.
• 1500 block of North Artesian Avenue on Oct. 21 at 9:30 p.m.
• 1600 block of North Wolcott Avenue on Oct. 21 at 11:33 p.m.
• 3500 block of West Pierce Avenue on Oct. 21 at 11:55 p.m.
• 3300 block of West Beach Avenue on Oct. 21 at 11:58 p.m.
• 4800 block of West Potomac Avenue on Oct. 22 at 1:33 a.m.
• 5000 block of West Palmer on Oct. 22 at 1:48 a.m.
• 5000 block of West Palmer on Oct. 22 at 1:48 a.m.