Police Warn of Lakefront Path Attacks, Robberies

Three attacks reported in the past three weeks on South Shore lakefront path

Police issued a warning Friday after a series of attacks along the South Shore lakefront path involving groups of as many as 13 teenagers.

Three attacks were reported between 43rd Street and Lake Shore Drive on the path over the past three weeks, police said, at 10:25 p.m. on July 5, 5:10 a.m. on July 17 and 9:10 p.m. on July 19.

In each incident, groups of two to 13 boys or men approached the victims, then displayed weapons or physically attacked them and stole their property. 

Joggers Celeste Wright-Harris and Noni Gaylord-Harden told NBC Chicago they always try to take precautions.

"We stick together we never run alone," Wright-Harris said. "We always make sure we have buddies and that's what people should do when they come out to the lakefront."

"If I run alone, I do not wear an iPod so I can hear what's going on around me," Gaylord-Harden said. "I make eye contact with people that are coming towards me. I don't run at odd hours or at night. We usually run early in the morning."

Jogger Desmond Konadu said he's going to spread the word.

"As soon as I get home I have to let my mother know because she comes out early to walk."

Police urge runners to be aware of their surroundings and immediately report suspicious activity.
 

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