Police Warn Of Series Of Armed Robberies By Masked Men On Near West Side
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Another disturbing crime trend is hitting the Near West Side - armed robberies with at least one robber wearing a surgical mask.
CBS 2's Suzanne Le Mignot is on the Near West Side where the latest attack happened Wednesday involving shots fired at the victim.
This is the fifth attack in four days.
The victim was in the 1600 block of West Adams at 12:27 p.m. when she was robbed at gunpoint by two black male suspects, one wearing a surgical mask and one wearing a skeleton mask, according to Chicago Police.
Police said the men, both wearing masks, shot at the woman, then sped away in a beige colored car, going westbound on Adams. The woman was not struck.
Carlos Zarate describes what he heard and saw, as he headed to his car behind the bank, where he works, at Ashland and Adams.
"I saw two gunshots and I heard one gunshot, saw two gentlemen running towards the consulate office and everybody dispersed at the moment of the shots and we all ran back into the bank," Zarate said.
"She ran up to the window and asked one of our security guards if they could come and help and that's how we found out about the situation."
Police issued a community alert on Tuesday about two suspects wearing surgical masks and gloves committing at least four armed robberies in the last four days.
On October 22nd, there were two armed robberies, one on the 2300 Block of W. Monroe, the other on the 1400 Block of W. Carroll. A day later, there were two more armed robberies, one on the 1300 block of W. Fulton, the other on the 300 Block of S. Hoyne. In each case, the men were wearing masks, or blue surgical masks and gloves, while holding their victims at gunpoint.
As for this latest incident Zarate said, "I'm glad she was safe, but it is scary, to see something like that, in broad daylight."
Four of the five armed robberies, happened in broad daylight. As always, police say be aware of your surroundings.
