CHICAGO — A series of armed robberies targeting construction workers and contractors has police on high alert across Chicago’s Northwest and West Sides, including neighborhoods like Portage Park and West Garfield Park, authorities said Tuesday.
According to a bulletin issued by Chicago Police, masked suspects have been recorded on video robbing work crews — sometimes with rifles in hand — and then fleeing in getaway vehicles. One of the incidents caught on camera occurred in Portage Park on June 9, showing several men rifling through a contractor’s van before escaping. One of them carried what appeared to be a rifle, as captured in CWB Chicago’s exclusive report.
Multiple Robberies Across June 5–8, CPD Says
Police say the group may be connected to at least four armed robberies, including two incidents on June 5 and another on June 8.
June 5 Robberies:
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4300 block of West Washington Boulevard
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4400 block of West Monroe Street
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First block of South Kilbourn Avenue
June 8 Incident:
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4600 block of West Maypole Avenue around 5:26 p.m.
In several cases, victims were approached while working or walking, threatened at gunpoint, and robbed of valuables. One victim’s vehicle was also stolen, according to police reports.
Suspect Description and Pattern
The primary suspect is described as:
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Black male, between 16 and 25 years old
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Height: 5’7” to 6’1”, Weight: 140 to 150 pounds
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Last seen wearing a dark gray hoodie with a white back design, black pants, and a black surgical mask
Authorities say the robberies show a pattern similar to previous construction crew holdups reported in Lincoln Park and Logan Square, where suspects also stole wallets and tools.
Video Evidence and Safety Advisory
The video footage from Portage Park has been circulating on social media and shows the suspects systematically looting a van before casually returning to their getaway vehicle. CPD officials are urging contractors, laborers, and residents in affected areas to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity immediately.
Investigators from Area Five and Area Four are working jointly on these cases, but as of Tuesday, no arrests have been made.
Are West Side Workers Being Targeted More Often?
Have you seen increased security issues near job sites in your neighborhood? What safety precautions are employers taking? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
