Chicago Police

Police Warn of Abductions and Robberies in Old Town, Lincoln Park

Chicago police issued a warning Wednesday about a series of abductions and robberies in the Old Town and Lincoln Park neighborhoods on the city's North Side.

At least three incidents have occurred so far, officials say, all similar in nature.

Authorities said two of the most recent attacks happened Saturday and another over Memorial Day weekend.

They all took place in the early morning hours at the following locations:

  • in the 1500 block of North Wells Street on May 26
  • in the 2000 block of North Halsted Street on June 2
  • in the 2100 block of North Clybourn Avenue on June 2

Police say in each of the cases, offenders have approached victims exiting a vehicle and either displayed a handgun or implied that they are armed.

They then force the victim to drive to an ATM to take out an undisclosed amount of cash before fleeing the scene in a vehicle, according to police.

Authorities said two men are behind the robberies that have left area residents shaken.

"It looks like a comforting, nice neighborhood but it really is getting a, I’m sad to say, a sinister side," said Henry Wikowski.

"We've just seen a level of aggression that we didn't experience 20 years ago and it's escalating," he added.

Wikowski said because of that, he and his wife no longer leave his Old Town home after 10 p.m.

Police did not release many descriptors of the suspects, but issued a reminder to stay aware of surroundings and remember any unique characteristics of an assailant.

No one is in custody in connection with any of the robberies as authorities continue to investigate.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at (312) 747-8380.

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