Robbers pose as police officers on NW Side

In each case, a man pulled up in a black vehicle, pointed a flashlight at the victim and demanded the person’s ID or wallet, according to Chicago police.

Robbers have posed as police officers by shining flashlights at victims and demanding their wallets or IDs in August 2020 in Albany Park, Avondale and Belmont Central.

Robbers have posed as police officers by shining flashlights at victims and demanding their wallets or IDs in August 2020 in Albany Park, Avondale and Belmont Central.

Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times file photo

Police are warning residents about a series of robberies since last week by suspects posing as police officers in Albany Park, Belmont Central and Avondale on the Northwest Side.

In each case, a man pulled up in a black vehicle, pointed a flashlight at the victim and demanded the person’s ID or wallet, according to a community alert from Chicago police.

The victims complied, believing the robber was a police officer, police said. The suspect then took money from the wallets and fled.

The hold-ups occurred:

  • About 12:20 a.m. Aug. 20 in the 3000 and 2900 blocks of North Allen Avenue;
  • About 1 p.m. Aug. 16 in the 2500 block of North Mango Avenue; and
  • About 10:30 p.m. Aug. 14 in the 4800 block of North Troy Street.

The suspect in one case was described as a man between 25 and 30 years old, standing between 5-foot-5 and 5-foot-7 and weighing 150 to 160 pounds, according to police.

Anyone with information is asked to call Area Five detectives at 312-746-7394.

Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.

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