Recent Robberies in Chicago’s West Side Leave Victims Injured
Last week, a 37-year-old man was shot and critically wounded on the West Side of Chicago during an online sales transaction that turned into a robbery. Chicago police have now linked this incident to at least two other similar robberies in the area.
The shooting took place at around 5:20 p.m. on February 27 on North Leamington Avenue in the Austin neighborhood. The victim was in a vehicle trying to complete an online sales deal when the buyer turned robber pulled out a gun, robbed the victim, and shot him in the back. The victim was rushed to Mt. Sinai Hospital in critical condition.
According to CPD, the same group of offenders is believed to be responsible for two previous robberies in the area. The first incident occurred on February 18 on South Keeler Avenue, followed by another robbery on February 26 on the same block of North Leamington Avenue where the shooting later occurred.
Police reports indicate that the suspects have been using online marketplace listings to lure sellers to the Austin and Lawndale neighborhoods under false pretenses. They pretend to make payment via a banking app before brandishing a weapon and forcefully taking the merchandise. In one of the earlier incidents, shots were fired at the victim as they tried to escape, though no injuries were reported in that particular case.
Authorities describe the suspects as two or three Black males of unknown ages. One of them was last seen wearing a black jacket, a white shirt, and white sneakers.
If you have any information about these incidents, please contact Area Four Detectives at 312-746-8253. You can also submit anonymous tips at CPDTIP.com using reference number #P26-4-009A.
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