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Chicago residents concerned after 8 armed robberies in 90 minutes
A wave of armed robberies occurred within an hour and half Thursday morning in the Logan Square neighborhood.
CHICAGO - A string of armed robberies unfolded within 90 minutes on Thursday morning in the city’s Logan Square and Hermosa neighborhoods – leaving residents on edge.
Chicago police are tying the brazen crimes to one crew and are urging the public to stay alert.
Seven armed robberies occurred in Logan Square, while one happened in Hermosa.
Shared below are the times and locations of the robberies:
- 4400 block of West Armitage Ave. on February 29th at 4:30 a.m.
- 3300 block of West Armitage Ave. on February 29th between 5:20-5:40 a.m.
- 2000 block of North Avers Ave. on February 29th at 5:26 a.m.
- 1800 block of North Ridgeway Ave. on February 29th at 5:30 a.m.
- 3500 block of West Dickens Ave. on February 29th at 5:35 a.m.
- 2200 block of North Springfield Ave. on February 29th between 5:35-5:43 a.m.
- 2300 block of North Spaulding Ave. on February 29th at 5:45 a.m.
- 3300 block of West Armitage Ave. on February 29th at 6:03 a.m.
In all eight instances, police say four men armed with handguns got out of a dark-colored sedan and stole money, and other personal items from their targets.
After the robberies, the offenders fled the scene, according to CPD.
"Hits close to home, I want to feel safe, it’s where I live," said Hector Manuel, community member.
It's leaving residents, like Manuel who is often on-foot, more cautious.
Meanwhile, a business owner on Armitage did not want to go on-camera about the string of armed robberies because he's already been victimized once.
On February 19, he says his Jeep was stolen from his nearby residence, and shared surveillance video with FOX 32 Chicago that captured the crime. Police confirmed the incident.
"I see a lot of parents going and picking up their kids from school and they just don’t want to let their kids play outside. Even going outside just to run an errand in broad daylight, it is nerve-racking too," said Mendoza.
Ana Mendoza works in the area and says the string of armed robberies is disturbing.
"I always teach my son, pay attention to your surroundings, where you’re heading, because he’s on the bus, so that’s nerve-racking as well," said Mendoza.
She says she also thinks about the local street vendors – some who've been robbed at gunpoint in the past.
"Stealing all the earned money they make in a day, which Is really sad, because they’re doing their best to work," said Mendoza.
Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa who represents the 35th Ward, where a few of the robberies unfolded, released the following statement Thursday:
"This string of incidents is troubling, disheartening, and unacceptable. Everyone should be able to feel safe heading to work and moving about our community."
Residents in the area are urged to stay vigilant and to park in well-lit areas.
If you have any information, contact CPD's Bureau of Detectives – Area 5 at 312-746-7394.