Businesses in the Avondale, Logan Square, and Portage Park neighborhoods have been hit.
CPD says that in all instances, the suspect approaches the checkout counter with a drink to buy and hands the cashier money. When the cashier opens the register, the suspect pulls out a knife, reaches over the counter, grabs the cash, and runs off.
Incident times and locations:
- 3400 block of W. Belmont Ave. on July 31, 2026 at 09:05 PM (Avondale)
- 3300 block of W. Fullerton Ave. on August 06, 2026 at 01:58 PM (Logan Square)
- 3400 block of W. Belmont Ave. on August 06, 2026 at 03:23 PM (Avondale)
- 3200 block of N. Milwaukee Ave. on August 11, 2026 at 10:40 PM (Avondale)
- 4700 block of W. Belmont Ave. on August 15, 2026 at 06:05 PM (Portage Park)
Police had only a vague description of the suspect, saying he was a Black man between 25 and 35 years old, standing 5-foot-10 to 6-foot-2, and weighing 210 to 250 pounds.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Area 5 detectives at 312-746-7394 or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com, using reference number P265012.
