Suspect Sought for Armed Robberies in Little Italy and South Loop
Multiple Incidents Occur in Short Period
Chicago police are searching for a suspect who targeted four businesses in Little Italy and the South Loop on Friday evening. The incidents occurred between 6:23 p.m. and 7:02 p.m.
Business Owners React
“It’s obviously scary, but I’ve never had any problems as far as armed robberies,” said Howard Blair, owner of Sid’s Clothing and Hats. Blair acknowledged that while it’s alarming that two armed robberies happened near his shop on Friday evening, such incidents are rare in the 65 years he’s been in business.
Other employees in the area shared that sentiment.
“We’ve definitely heard of other criminal activity here and there, not something as serious as an armed robbery,” Vitamin Shoppe employee Alex Gonzalez said.
Police Investigation
Chicago police said four businesses in Little Italy and South Loop were targeted. The first incident happened in the 1100 block of West Taylor Street, where a Subway employee reported that his coworkers were impacted. About 25 minutes later, another business in the 600 block of West Roosevelt Road was hit. Eight minutes after that, a robbery occurred in the 1400 block of West Taylor, followed by the suspect’s final stop in the 500 block of West Roosevelt Road just four minutes later.
CPD believes all incidents are connected. The suspect entered the businesses, announced the robbery, and showed a weapon. In three of the four incidents, the suspect handed the employees a note indicating he was robbing the store.
Community Concerns
“We are open here, and we always have the doors open, so something like that can be concerning…even the customers who come inside,” Gonzalez said.
Blair, meanwhile, is concerned that the incidents happened while the sun was still up. While he’s been lucky to avoid any incidents like this, he said he’s taken a proactive approach by closing his store earlier.
“Started doing that a few years ago just because I don’t want to go when it’s dark. Try to get out of here and be safe,” Blair said.
Gonzalez said his managers at the Vitamin Shoppe have established procedures to follow if he or his coworkers feel their safety is compromised. He sincerely hopes no one working in the area will have to face any armed robberies again.
“It’s a lot of please keep the doors locked or only open, but even then, when do we know?” Gonzalez said.
Police Response
Police said the suspect managed to steal money from two businesses. No arrests have been made.
Conclusion
The community is left shaken by these incidents, and police are working to identify the suspect. As the investigation continues, business owners and employees are left to wonder when and if such incidents will happen again. The community is encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
FAQs
* When did the incidents occur?
+ The incidents occurred between 6:23 p.m. and 7:02 p.m. on Friday.
* How many businesses were targeted?
+ Four businesses in Little Italy and South Loop were targeted.
* What happened during the robberies?
+ The suspect entered the businesses, announced the robbery, and showed a weapon. In three of the four incidents, the suspect handed the employees a note indicating he was robbing the store.
* Has an arrest been made?
+ No, no arrests have been made.
