One dozen robberies targeting U.S. Postal Service mail carriers have occurred within the past several weeks, Chicago police said Saturday.
In each incident, one to three armed suspects approached a mail carrier on the public way and demanded by USPS keys "by threatening force," police stated in a community alert. After taking the keys, the offenders fled in a nearby vehicle. In one incident, the suspects stole a victim's vehicle by force, authorities said.
A total of 12 incidents were reported between March 2 and April 5, with the majority taking place in the afternoon hours. The suspects are said to be between 15-25 years old, wearing dark clothing and ski masks, according to police. Additionally, they have been armed with semi-automatic handguns in previous incidents.
The robberies were reported at the following dates and times:
- 1400 block of South Halsted Street - March 2 - 1:15 p.m.
- 100 block of South Leavitt Street - March 7 - 2:45 p.m.
- 7900 block of South La Salle Street - March 7 - 3:15 p.m.
- 200 block of North Wells Street - March 7 - 6:28 p.m.
- 9200 block of South Throop Street - March 14 - 12:08 p.m.
- 2200 block of West Warren Boulevard - March 15 - 2:30 p.m.
- 100 block of South Seeley Avenue - March 16 - 11:20 a.m.
- 2900 block of West Wilcox Street - March 18 - 11:30 a.m.
- 6600 block of North Hoyne Avenue - March 20 - 2:32 p.m.
- 1800 block of West Maypole Avenue - March 23 - 7:40 p.m.
- 700 block of South Claremont Avenue - April 4 - 2 p.m.
- 1500 block of South Drake Avenue - April 5 - 2:24 p.m.
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