Uptown in the News
September 28, 2005
A series of brutal attacks where middle-aged and elderly victims were clubbed over the back of the head with a blunt object and then robbed have prompted police to put the Uptown and Edgewater communities on alert. In five reported incidents since Sunday, Aug. 21, when a 790year-old man was struck over the head on the 4700 block of North Kenmore, all of the victims were walking alone along residential blocks when they were targeted, according to police. All but one of the attacks occurred after dark-between 9pm and midnight. “We’re asking people to call in tips, “20th District officer Cyril Lightfoot said. But more importantly, he added, “Just be careful.” Police have a vague description of a man- possibly in his 20’s, 5 feet 10 inches tall and 175 pounds – who they suspect is the robber. His identity has yet to be verified, Lightfoot said. They based the description off of witnesses who came to the aid of the most recent victim, an elderly man struck down on the 1400 block of Bryn Mawr, around 10:20 pm on Wednesday, September 21. Though they didn’t see the attack unfold, they spotted a man fleeing as they recovered some of the victim’s belongings-keys, books and other items-that were scattered around him as he lay unresponsive. The victim was taken to Illinois Masonic hospital where he was listed in serious condition, according to police. Near the crime scene police also recovered a brick stuffed inside a white paper bag, which they suspect was used in the attack.
In all of the incidents, the victims have required treatment from local hospitals. An Edgewater woman, 52, underwent surgery for lacerations to her scalp after being beat over the head with a blunt object on the 1400 block of West Olive Avenue at 9:15pm on Thursday, September 15, according to police.
|
top of page