Chicago police are warning residents of the Grand, Central and Shakespeare police districts to be vigilant following a string of armed robberies committed by a man with a machete.
There have been at least five recent robberies committed by a man with a machete in the three police districts, which are to the northwest of downtown and include neighborhoods such as Logan Square, Hermosa, Belmont-Craigin, Albany Park, Avondale and Irving Park, according to a community alert issued by the Chicago Police Department on Friday. Three similar attacks have taken place nearby since, police said Monday morning.
A man came up from behind to rob a 44-year-old woman in the Avondale neighborhood at 8:20 p.m. Saturday, said Chicago police Officer Jessica Rocco in an email. Thirty minutes later, a man in a silver sedan almost hit a 28-year-old woman and her 7-month-old with his car before following them into an alley and demanding property while waving a sharp object, Rocco wrote.
On Sunday evening, a man swung a machete at a 52-year-old man who was walking on the sidewalk in the Irving Park neighborhood, Rocco said. The victim fell to the ground and threw his wallet to distract the robber, who ran away and entered a gray vehicle, Rocco said. The victim was in good condition and refused additional medical attention after being treated by Chicago Fire Department responders at the scene, Rocco said.
Detectives have not yet confirmed if the three new incidents are connected with the five robberies that police described as a possible pattern on Friday, Rocco wrote.
“In one of these incidents, the silver four-door sedan appears to be driven by a second unknown (person),” according to the police alert.
The eight robberies have been reported in:
the 3000 block of North Christiana Avenue, May 27, 7:58 p.m.
the 3200 block of North Monticello Avenue, May 30, 11:45 p.m.
the 4100 block of West Fletcher Street, May 30 or May 31, between 11:45 p.m. and 12:10 a.m.
the 3300 block of North Monticello Avenue, Friday, 9 p.m.
the 4000 block of West Eddy Street, Friday, between 9 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.
the 3000 block of North Christiana Avenue, Saturday, 8:20 p.m.
the 4100 block of West Wellington Avenue, Saturday, 8:52 p.m.
the 3700 block of North Troy Street, Sunday, 9 p.m.
Police advised residents in the area: “Do not resist.” They also said to warn neighbors about the recent attacks, be aware of their surroundings and pay “special attention to any suspicious” people “loitering in the area.” If residents have surveillance cameras they should ensure they’re working properly.
If the man with the machete is seen, residents should immediately call 911 and try to provide a detailed description of the man, “including any vehicle description and license plate information.”