Robbers armed with pepper spray hit Gold Coast, South Loop stores: police

Police are warning business owners of a pair of robberies reported Thursday in the Gold Coast and South Loop.

In both cases, the suspects entered the store, stuffed sales items in a bag and then attempted to walk out, Chicago police said in a community alert.

The suspects discharged pepper spray in the direction of store security when confronted, police said.

A robbery happened about 3 p.m. in the 800 block of North Michigan Avenue, police said. Another occurred about 7:15 p.m. in the 1100 block of South Delano Court.

One of the suspects is described as a female between 16 and 20 years old, standing 5-foot-6 and weighing 130-145 pounds, police said. She had dreadlocks and was wearing a mustard jacket.

The other suspects are described as two 20 to 30-year-old women, police said. One wore her hair in a ponytail, and was wearing a gray hat, a gray sweater and maroon pants. The other was wearing a gray headband, a gray sweater and black pants.

Anyone with information is asked to call Area Central detectives at 312-747-8384.

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