HUMBOLDT PARK — Neighbors are on high alert after an armed robbery ended in a rape early Tuesday on a quiet Humboldt Park block that they say doesn't see nearly as much violence as it did 20 years ago.
About 4 a.m. Tuesday, a 30-year-old man and 23-year-old woman were sitting in a car parked in the 2700 block of West Crystal Street when a group of four men armed with handguns came up to them and demanded their belongings, according to police.
Two of the robbers then "forcefully sexually assaulted" the woman at gunpoint, police said. One of the robbers tried to force the woman into their car before shoving her to the ground. The robbers then got into their car and drove off, police said.
Mitchell Laboya, 61, who has lived on the block for 20 years, said he was shocked after being told about the robbery and rape. Laboya said he was likely asleep during the incident, given that he usually goes to bed at 9 p.m.
"Before — 20 years ago — it was like Beirut here," Laboya said. "But now it's a lot better. Neighbors keep to themselves. Sometimes you hear shootings. But I haven't heard of a robbery and rape in years."
A 25-year-old woman whose mother lives on the block and declined to give her name for safety reasons, agreed, saying, "It's always been gun violence. But, growing up here, it's never been rapes."
As of Thursday evening, police hadn't made any arrests in the case. A spokesman said an investigation is ongoing.
Ald. Roberto Maldonado (26th), who said he's been in touch with the Shakespeare District police commander, called the crime a "very isolated incident."
"My reaction was emotional because it's never happened in my ward that I know of. There have been threats, but no assaults like this one," Maldonado said.
He added: "This block has not been an issue recently. This is something that doesn't happen here."
Jamilet Rodriguez, 18, whose family has lived in Humboldt Park and the surrounding area for decades, said the neighborhood has gotten safer, but not enough to quell fears.
"It has changed, but it doesn't make me feel any better," Rodriguez said. "It's Chicago. You go your way, do what you do, and hope you don't get shot or beat up."
Police said the group of men were driving a small blue or gray four-door car, possibly an older model.
Police described the first suspect as a black man between 18 and 19 years old, about 5-foot-4 and 115 pounds with a "baby face." He was wearing a black jacket, gray sweater, dark jeans and a tight hooded sweatshirt.
The second suspect was described as a 15- or 16 year-old black male, about 5-foot-7 and 100 pounds with a "baby face" and short, shaved hair. He was wearing a black jacket, beige pants and black dress shoes.
The third suspect was described as a man about 18 years old, and the fourth was described as a man between 18 and 21 years old.
Anyone with information should call detectives at 312-744-8261.
For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here.
