Chicago police warn of more armed robberies involving food delivery drivers
CHICAGO (CBS) — Chicago police are warning of more armed robberies involving food delivery drivers.
The robberies occurred on the city's Near West Side between Jan. 1 and 5 during the afternoon and evening hours.
Police said the robbers would order food either through DoorDash, Uber Eats, or local pizzerias. Two to three suspects, dressed in all black and with their faces covered, would walk out from a dark alley or an unlighted area after requesting food be delivered to the address of the incident.
One of the suspects would then display a black handgun, threatening victims, and the others would go through victims' pockets, taking their belongings before leaving the scene on foot.
Incident dates and locations:
- 2100 block of West Van Buren Street - Jan. 1 at 3:30 p.m.
- 2100 block of West Van Buren Street Jan. 4 at 8:20 p.m.
- 300 block of South Leavitt Street - Jan. 5 at 6 p.m
- 2100 block of West Gladys Avenue – Jan. 5 at 11 p.m.
The suspects were described as African American males between 16 to 23 years of age, wearing black hooded sweatshirts, black ski masks, and black pants
Police are advising delivery drivers:
- Plan your route in advance, and vary your routes whenever possible.
- Get to know the neighborhood.
- Be aware of this crime and alert family and friends who live and deliver food in the area
- Pay special attention to any suspicious person(s) lingering around trying to make spontaneous conversation.
- If you are confronted by an assailant, remain calm.
- If you are a victim, try not to touch anything and contact the police immediately.
- Call 911 immediately if you are a victim or witness to a crime and provide a
- Detailed description of the offender(s) including any vehicle description and license plate information.
- If approached by a witness to an incident, request they remain on the scene when possible or obtain contact information.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Area 3 detectives at 312-744-8263 or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com.
