CHICAGO,Illinois– A series of alarming armed robberies took place in Chicago’s Hermosa and Humboldt Park neighborhoods on Mother’s Day, with a total of ten incidents happening within a span of just 30 minutes.
Police said the suspects are believed to be in their late teens or early twenties.
Wearing black attire and armed with semi-automatic handguns, a group of four men specifically targeted individuals on the sidewalk or inside parked vehicles, according to investigators.
One of the incidents was captured on surveillance footage, which took place around 7:38 a.m. on Sunday near the intersection of Dickens and Kildare.
Video shows three individuals exit a gray Hyundai Elantra with guns drawn. They approached a man in the driver’s seat of his white van, and soon, a fourth suspect joined them.
According to the Belmont Cragin United Facebook page, which provided the video to FOX 32 Chicago, the victim’s daughter said her dad was severely beaten by the group and his belongings were taken. She said he was getting ready to leave for work.
“I’m very scared because of my children, my grandkids. In general, we’re not safe anymore,” said Ramona Delgado, who lives in Hermosa. “Before, they used to respect at least the older people, but now, they don’t care if it’s a woman, man, older people, young people. It’s very scary so I hope the mayor does something about this.”
Delgado, who has lived in Chicago for 50 years, says the crime has led her to consider leaving the city she calls ‘home.’
“It’s gotten really, really, really bad,” said Delgado. “And summer is barely starting. I just don’t know, I just want to leave. I don’t even want to live here anymore.”
The same robbery crew targeted at least nine other victims in the area, including three near Palmer and Kostner, according to police.
All of them took place between 7:20 and 7:50 a.m. in Hermosa and Humboldt Park.
“I hope it stops. Pray, just pray, that’s all we can do,” said Delgado.
Another community member, who spoke to FOX 32 Chicago on the condition of anonymity said: “As a part of this neighborhood for over 20 years, we feel angry, concerned and tired of these individuals taking advantage of others. There is no need, whatsoever, for a group of individuals to take advantage of a person who is alone – young or old. Actions sooner or later have consequences and eventually catches up with one. We pray God protect the victims, have mercy on the perpetrators, and serve His justice.”
As of Monday evening, no arrests had been made in connection with the robberies.
In response to the incidents, 35th Ward Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa issued the following statement to FOX 32 Chicago:
“Violence and threats are unacceptable in our community. I urge anyone with information on these incidents or information that can lead to the apprehension of the offenders to contact Area 5 detectives. As a community we must work together to keep each other safe.”
The 10 robberies occurred at the following times and locations:
- West North at Springfield at 7:20 a.m.
- West Le Moyne near North Springfield at 7:30 a.m.
- North Kedvale in Hermosa at 7:32 a.m.
- West Wabansia near North Karlov at 7:34 a.m.
- West Palmer near North Karlov at 7:35 a.m.
- West Palmer near North Karlov at 7:37 a.m.
- West Dickens near North Kildare at 7:38 a.m.
- North Kenneth near West Palmer at 7:40 a.m.
- North Pulaski near West Wabansia at 7:41 a.m.
- West Palmer near North Karlov at 7:50 a.m.
Chicago police are urging anyone with information to call detectives at (312) 746-7394.
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Police are also encouraging residents to pay close attention to anyone who may be loitering in your neighborhood.
