Gang of Armed Thieves Targeting Construction Workers in West Rogers Park
A gang of armed thieves in a stolen car opened fire on a contractor who caught them stealing tools from his work vehicle in West Rogers Park early Monday morning. This incident is suspected to be part of a recent surge in thefts targeting construction workers and contractors across the city.
The robbery took place at 5:46 a.m. in the 6800 block of North Seeley when the worker discovered three men stealing tools from his vehicle, according to a Chicago police report.
Upon being confronted, one of the thieves brandished a gun and fired shots at the contractor. Fortunately, no one was injured in the shooting.
The suspects, dressed in dark clothing and wearing face masks, match the description of several other crews involved in similar crimes in recent weeks. Surveillance footage captured them fleeing in a black Infiniti, which police later recovered. Witnesses reported seeing four males abandon the stolen Infiniti and escape in another vehicle.
The thieves were described as Black males in their mid- to late teens, all wearing ski masks and dark clothing. The gunman stood out in a blue hoodie, as noted by a witness.
This robbery is part of a pattern of similar incidents targeting construction crews, with recent reports of armed thefts in Portage Park, Lincoln Park, and Logan Square. Victims have been held up at gunpoint in some of these cases.
Chicago Police Department has issued community alerts warning about these robberies at work sites, urging caution and heightened awareness among workers.
For original reporting and exclusive content, please consider supporting our work. Click here to support our work.
