CHICAGO — Police are investigating two armed robberies at nail salons in the Loop and South Loop after a couple allegedly used pepper spray on staff before stealing cash and valuables.
According to the Chicago Police Department (CPD), the suspects — described as a man and a woman — targeted two salons in a violent spree that occurred within days of each other. Both times, the pair reportedly received nail services before assaulting employees with pepper spray when asked to pay.
Incident Timeline and Locations
- May 28, around 3 p.m. — The first robbery took place in the 300 block of South Dearborn Street in the Loop.
- June 1, around 5:52 p.m. — A second incident occurred at a salon in the 1600 block of South Michigan Avenue in the South Loop.
In both cases, the suspects allegedly sprayed employees in the face, grabbed cash, purses, and cellphones, and fled the scene before police arrived.
Suspect Descriptions Released
CPD has released the following descriptions in hopes of identifying the pair:
- Female suspect: Black woman, in her 20s, approximately 5’5″ tall, weighing between 220–240 pounds.
- Male suspect: Black man, 30 to 35 years old, with a physical impairment in his right hand, approximately 5’10” tall, weighing between 160–180 pounds.
Authorities urge anyone with information to contact Area Three detectives at 312-744-8263, referencing crime pattern #25-3-025.
Ongoing Police Investigation
The incidents are currently under active investigation. Detectives are reviewing security footage from surrounding businesses and interviewing witnesses in hopes of identifying the suspects and locating them before additional incidents occur.
The crimes have raised concern among local salon owners and employees, especially as personal service businesses often deal with cash transactions and minimal security during off-hours.
Community Safety Reminder
CPD encourages all salon and small business owners to:
- Install or upgrade surveillance systems
- Train staff on how to respond during assaults
- Limit the amount of cash kept on-site
- Report suspicious behavior promptly
Have you noticed similar incidents or suspicious behavior in your neighborhood salons or small businesses? What safety measures do you believe local businesses should adopt? Join the conversation in the comments and help spread awareness in our community.
