Similar armed robberies reported in several suburbs

Police are investigating the armed robberies of 7-Eleven stores in the west and southwest suburbs early Wednesday, crimes with many similarities.

About 4:20 a.m. Wednesday, a masked man armed with a stun gun and handgun robbed the 7-Eleven in the 1100 block of Laraway Road in New Lenox, Deputy Police Chief Robert Pawlisz said.

The suspect was described as a light-skinned black or Hispanic male about 6-foot, with slim, athletic build, wearing all black clothing and a mask, Pawlisz said. No one was injured in the robbery.

A similar robbery was reported at the 7-Eleven in the 300 block of East Bailey Road in Naperville about an hour earlier, according to Naperville police.

At 3:08 a.m., a male wearing a mask entered the store, displayed a weapon and stole an undisclosed amount of cash, police said. The clerk was not hurt.

The suspect was also dressed all in black, and wore a mask and gloves.

Pawlisz said investigators believe the two robberies are related. There have also been similar robberies reported in other southwest suburbs, including Romeoville, Oak Forest and Thornton, he added.

Anyone with information should call Naperville police at (630) 420-6666.