Meanest Thief? Suspect Targets Elderly In Wheelchairs
CHICAGO (CBS) – This person just might be the meanest thief ever.
Chicago police are on the case of a suspect who is robbing victims in wheelchairs.
It has happened at least twice recently on the West Side.
"He picks them up physically from their wheelchair and removes their wallet, purse or bag and he flees," Chicago Det. Sgt. Rodney Hill said.
The incidents occurred late last month, on the afternoon July 22 in the 100 block of South Leavitt Street, and on July 24 in the 2000 block of West Lake Street.
In both cases, a suspect approached victims in wheelchairs and took property by physical force.
Archie West is 94 years old and uses a motorized chair to get around his neighborhood.
As he was returning home from grocery shopping, he said he does worry about his safety.
"You have got to be careful as you go to and forth," he said.
Asked for his reaction to the robberies? "That's mean and evil."
Another resident said: "Since they are robbing elderly people in their wheelchairs, next thing you know, they are going to be robbing little babies in strollers."
"The next thing you know, they are going to have to put "Lo-Jacks" on these strollers," another resident said.
The description of the suspect in too vague, but police hope somebody may know something about the crimes.
People with information are asked to call Area Central detectives at (312) 747-8382.
