CHICAGO — Police are warning Lawndale residents about a rash of armed robberies and carjackings in the neighborhood in January.
In three separate incidents, a man approached his victim from behind and displayed a handgun before taking belongings, which included wallets, purses and cellphones, police said.
The incidents occurred as follows:
• At 8:45 p.m. on Jan. 14 in the 3800 block of West Grenshaw Street. The thief was described as a 19-year-old black man standing about 5-foot-9 and weighing about 170 pounds.
• At 8:10 a.m. Tuesday in the 1100 block of South Independence Boulevard. The thief was described as a 25-year-old black man weighing about 130 pounds.
• At 6:10 p.m. Tuesday in the 3800 block of West Flournoy Street. The thief was described as a black teen with dreadlocks standing between 4-foot-9 and 5-foot-3 and weighing about 125 pounds.
Also, two people were carjacked in the neighborhood within hours of each other Tuesday.
In the first incident, three men approached the victim around 5 p.m. and showed a handgun in the 2400 block of West Taylor Street before taking the car, police said.
About 30 minutes later, a man took another victim's keys at gunpoint in the 2500 block of West Congress Parkway, police said.
The thief was described as an 18-year-old black man standing about 5-foot-9.
Officers are reminding residents to pay special attention to loiterers and be aware of their surroundings.
Anyone with information on the crimes should call detectives at 312-744-8263.
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