Man Responsible for String of Robberies Sentenced to 18 Years
A man believed to be responsible for more than 20 robberies across Chicago has been handed an 18-year prison sentence. Clarence Anderson, 42, entered a guilty plea to four counts of armed robbery in front of Judge Mary Anna Planey.
During the holiday season in 2021, numerous businesses, particularly small grocery stores, fell victim to an armed robber described by some as surprisingly polite.
Chicago police reported a series of robberies at convenience stores, liquor stores, and street robberies with a focus on areas like Rogers Park and Little Village.
Although Anderson was officially charged with only four of the robberies, prosecutors believe he was behind more than 20 incidents.
Anderson’s crime spree came to a halt after he targeted a convenience store in the 2400 block of South Christiana. Despite concealing most of his face with a hoodie, hat, and mask, his distinct red jacket with a bunny rabbit design gave him away. He brandished a handgun, stole cash and coins, and warned the cashier not to alert anyone before fleeing.
Law enforcement identified a suspicious car tied to the robbery through surveillance footage. The vehicle, a rental, was linked to someone known to rent cars used by Anderson in other crimes. Police located the car on Christiana Street hours after the robbery, with Anderson behind the wheel, wearing the same distinctive clothing as the robber.
Upon inspection, officers found cash, coins, a ski mask, gloves, suspected narcotics, and a handgun hidden in the car’s engine block.
Additional charges against Anderson stemmed from sidewalk robberies on South Aberdeen, as well as incidents at retail stores on West 26th Street and West Monroe.
Already an 11-time convicted felon, Anderson had been released on parole for a previous robbery conviction shortly before embarking on his latest crime spree.
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