Authorities in Chicago, Illinois, are advising residents to stay vigilant following a series of violent robberies targeting primarily intoxicated individuals in the River North neighborhood of the city.
Reported by FOX 32, at least four incidents occurred between June 16 and July 6, where one to three African American males assaulted and robbed people.
The perpetrators would approach people who seemed intoxicated, steal their belongings, and assault them. These incidents took place during the early morning hours when bars and restaurants were closing.
One of the victims, Tori Ledzema, recounted being attacked by four individuals in ski masks while on her way to Pilates at 5:30 a.m. She mentioned that the assailants tried to access her phone.
Ledzema described having a gun pointed at her during the robbery and sustaining a neck sprain.
Law enforcement located the vehicle used by the suspects and gathered fingerprints, but no arrests have been made yet.
Former FBI special agent Jonathan Gilliam explained in an interview with Fox News Digital that the main goal of the suspects was to gain access to the victims’ phones.
Gilliam emphasized that criminals are now targeting smartphones, as people conduct most of their financial transactions through apps. He warned that perpetrators might not be after cash but rather seeking access to apps to transfer funds.
Adam Sabes is a writer for Fox News Digital. For story tips, contact Adam.Sabes@fox.com or follow him on Twitter @asabes10.
