Three individuals and two juveniles are facing robbery charges after allegedly mugging a group of suburbanites who were enjoying the city skyline. The incident took place on a parking garage roof in the 2300 block of West Logan.
According to prosecutors, four men from Des Plaines, aged between 18 and 20, were taking in the nighttime view of downtown when they were approached by another group. The individuals from the second group asked the victims about their gang affiliation before proceeding to rob them. One of the juveniles in the group brandished a knife and chased one of the suburbanites, who managed to escape but lost his phone and a shoe in the process.
The same juvenile then targeted another victim, stealing his belt. A third victim was robbed at knifepoint of his phone, wallet, and keys as he tried to flee. The robbers reportedly pursued the victims briefly before leaving the scene. However, the victims were able to track one of their stolen phones using a tracking app to a nearby bowling alley. Upon arriving at the location, they spotted all five robbers in two separate cars in the parking lot.
The victims flagged down a police officer, who detained the group and called for backup. Osvaldo Chaidez, 20, Jack Ognar, 18, and Ryan Eggleston, 29, along with the two juveniles, were charged with four counts of robbery. Chaidez allegedly assaulted one of the victims while Ognar recorded the incident on his phone. Additionally, police found a victim’s shoe, belt, and a pair of brass knuckles in Eggleston’s car.
Despite the charges, Judge James Murphy III denied detention for the three adults, opting for electronic monitoring instead. Details on the juvenile cases have not been publicly disclosed.
This original reporting sheds light on a troubling incident that unfolded in the city, highlighting the importance of vigilance and safety, especially in urban settings.