WEST TOWN — Armed men wearing white surgical or dust masks robbed people in West Town twice this week, according to a community alert for residents of the Near West Police District.
In both incidents, police say the victims were walking alone and approached by two to four men armed with guns wearing white dust/surgical masks who displayed handguns while demanding and taking property from their victims, all men.
The robberies occurred in the 2200 Block of West Erie Street on Monday at 10:55 p.m. and in the 1300 Block of West Ohio Street on Tuesday at 12:09 a.m.
The robbers were described by police as black men between the ages of 20 and 30, standing 5-foot-5 to 6-foot-1 and weighing 150-190 pounds.
Anyone with information about the crimes is asked to call detectives at 312-747-8382 and reference case reports: JA-446854 and JA-446914.
Police offered these safety tips:
• Always be aware of your surroundings
• Report suspicious activity immediately
• If you are confronted by an assailant, remain calm
• Remember any unique physical characteristics, like scars or tattoos
• Never pursue a fleeing assailant; provide the information to the police
• If video surveillance equipment is present, save a copy of the footage for investigating detectives
• If approached by a witness to the incident, request their contact information
• Dial 911 immediately and remain on the scene when possible
