Armed robbers have targeted intoxicated individuals in the early morning hours in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, leading to violent incidents and robber’ts. Police are urging residents to be cautious after several incidents involving beatings and thefts, with one victim describing being held at gunpoint and having a gun aimed at her head during the robbery.
The suspects, described as one to three African American males, befriended victims before attacking them, often during the closing hours of bars and restaurants. One victim, Tori Ledzema, told FOX 32 that she was forcibly pushed to the ground by four individuals in ski masks and that the men tried to access her phone. The suspects were reportedly looking for access to her Cash App, indicating a shift in robbery tactics targeting digital assets rather than cash.
Police have tracked down the car used by the suspects and obtained fingerprints, but no arrests have been made yet. FBI special agent Jonathan Gilliam noted the growing trend of targeting victims’ phones for access to financial apps, emphasizing the importance of securing digital devices. Gilliam explained that the suspects were specifically looking for passwords and access to financial apps, such as Cash App, which allows users to store and transfer money electronically.
With the rise of digital transactions, the suspects have adapted their methods to target digital wallet applications rather than physical cash. This trend highlights a growing concern about the security of personal financial information and the need for increased awareness among the public. The incidents also underscore the importance of community safety and the need for law enforcement to intensify efforts to track down and apprehend the suspects, particularly given the severity of the attacks and the potential long-term impact on victims’ mental and physical health.
Residents in the area are advised to remain vigilant, especially during the early morning hours when bars and restaurants are closing. The police department is working closely with local businesses to ensure the safety of the neighborhood and to gather more information about the suspects. The ongoing investigation into the robberies has prompted calls for stronger community policing and increased surveillance to prevent further incidents. Despite the lack of arrests, the case has sparked discussions about the effectiveness of current law enforcement strategies in addressing such crimes and the need for updated protocols to combat digital theft and violent crimes targeting individuals in specific areas of the city.