Armed Crime Spree Strikes West Loop: Robberies and Carjackings in Under 45 Minutes
CHICAGO — A series of robberies and carjackings occurred in the West Loop, targeting at least five people during an armed crime spree that lasted less than 45 minutes. This recent surge in criminal activity adds to the growing concern in the area and surrounding neighborhoods.
The first set of robberies took place in the 1000 block of West Kinzie around 7:20 p.m., where two women aged 29 and 24, along with a 28-year-old man, were physically assaulted and robbed by four men demanding their belongings, as reported by a Chicago police spokesperson.
The suspects fled in a silver sedan, possibly a Kia, heading west on Kinzie after taking the victims’ possessions. Approximately ten minutes later, another incident occurred in the 1200 block of West Lake, where four men forced a victim to surrender their 2019 Audi.
Shortly after, at 7:50 p.m., a 27-year-old woman was robbed at gunpoint by three men as she exited her vehicle in the 1200 block of West Carroll. The group stole her valuables and drove off with her car.
Chicago Police Department did not disclose detailed descriptions of the suspects involved in these crimes.
This recent crime spree mirrors previous incidents in the West Loop and neighboring areas over the past year and early 2024, prompting the CPD to establish a task force that led to multiple arrests, temporarily quelling the wave of criminal activity. However, it appears that at least one crew has resurfaced.
Similar armed robbery sprees were reported in various neighborhoods, including the West Side, Old Town, Lincoln Park, Bucktown, Avondale, Humboldt Park, and Logan Square, indicating a concerning trend of criminal behavior in the city.
Despite the recurrence of these incidents, CPD has not issued any community alerts to notify the public about the ongoing criminal activities.
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