Chicago, Illinois – A series of robberies were reported in the 16th (Jefferson Park) Police District on Monday, Feb. 19, including a violent attack on a woman in her 50s or 60s at an alley entrance near Pensacola and Linder avenues.
According to police, the woman was knocked to the ground and robbed of her purse containing cash in the 5400 block of West Pensacola Avenue. The assailants, described as Black males, used a club-like object during the attack and fled in a nearby car. The incident was captured on an area surveillance camera and occurred near Vaughn Occupational High School.
In a separate incident, a 26-year-old woman was robbed while walking on the sidewalk in the 6000 block of North Elston Avenue. Three assailants struck her with a metal object, knocking her to the ground, and stole her shoulder bag. The assailants then fled in a dark-colored sedan, and the woman’s stolen items were later found near the Milwaukee-Devon intersection.
Additionally, a 16-year-old male was shot in the right leg during a reported robbery in the 5700 block of West Cornelia Avenue. The teen was transported to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in good condition. Another robbery was reported at a 7-Eleven convenience store on W. Lawrence Ave., although no weapon was displayed during the incident.
Alderman Jim Gardiner (45th) announced plans to hold a public safety meeting in response to the reported robberies. Details of the meeting are expected to be announced later this week.
The series of robberies has raised concerns about public safety in the 16th Police District, prompting community leaders and residents to seek increased law enforcement presence and security measures in the area.