CHICAGO — A carjacking in Logan Square early Saturday morning is now being linked to a suspected interstate robbery crew, with ties reaching as far as Gary, Indiana. Chicago police are investigating the group’s coordinated crimes and reviewing surveillance and license plate data in a bid to locate the armed assailants.
The victim, a 37-year-old man, was carjacked at gunpoint around 3:15 a.m. while attempting to enter his 2014 Chevy Impala at the BP gas station at 1950 North California Avenue. According to police, four armed men jumped out of an SUV, brandished firearms, and demanded his keys before fleeing with his car.
Stolen Vehicles and Coordinated Movement
The SUV used in the carjacking — an orange Chevy Trax — had just been reported stolen in Gary, Indiana, suggesting that the group was already on the move across state lines. License plate readers later picked up both the stolen Impala and Trax traveling together on the outbound Dan Ryan Expressway near 71st Street, confirming the vehicles were operating as a coordinated unit.
By the time police responded, both vehicles had been abandoned near each other in the 9200 block of South Sangamon Street. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to obtain more evidence from area surveillance footage and traffic cameras.
Armed Robbery Pattern Across Neighborhoods
Police believe this Logan Square incident may be part of a larger trend. Just hours earlier, around 1 a.m., another armed robbery occurred in the West Loop. In that case, three men with guns reportedly robbed four people on Lake Street near Halsted Street. The suspects then fled in a silver or gray Toyota Camry.
Notably, a short time later, someone attempted to use the victims’ stolen credit cards at a gas station in the 1200 block of West 87th Street, raising further alarms that these crews may be committing robberies in rapid succession and using stolen goods immediately.
Suspect Descriptions and Weapons Used
Both sets of incidents involved Black male suspects wearing ski masks and carrying multiple firearms, including rifles and pistols. In the Logan Square case, one of the assailants had a rifle and at least one had a pistol, according to a police officer who witnessed the event.
Police are still compiling a more detailed suspect description and request that anyone with footage from the surrounding areas submit it through Chicago PD’s digital evidence portal.
Robbery Trends: A Mixed Picture for Chicago
While citywide robbery reports have declined, the West Loop neighborhood has seen a spike in June, including a recent case where a concealed carry holder fired shots at armed men trying to break into his vehicle. No injuries were reported in that incident, but it underscores the rising sense of vigilance — and danger — in these communities.
Residents in affected neighborhoods are being urged to stay alert and avoid poorly lit areas during late hours. Law enforcement also emphasized the importance of not confronting armed suspects, instead advising people to comply and report the crime as soon as it’s safe.
How Residents Can Protect Themselves
If you live or commute near the West Loop, Logan Square, or similar neighborhoods, here are a few precautionary steps to consider:
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Avoid idling in your vehicle, especially at gas stations during early morning or late-night hours.
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Be aware of surroundings when entering or exiting your car.
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Do not resist if confronted by armed individuals.
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Consider installing a dash cam or GPS tracker in your vehicle.
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Report any suspicious activity via Chicago’s Tip Hotline: 833-408-0069 or CPD’s tip form.
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