A 13-year-old boy has been charged with multiple armed robberies that took place last spring on Chicago’s South Side. The boy was arrested on Wednesday and is now facing five felony counts of armed robbery, according to the Chicago police.
Details of the Robberies
The robberies happened on June 4, 2024, in the South Chicago and Chatham neighborhoods. Police say the boy targeted five different people, threatening them with a gun before taking their belongings.
Here’s a timeline of the incidents on that day:
- 5:20 a.m. – A 47-year-old woman was robbed in the 2900 block of East 91st Street.
- 10:30 a.m. – A 35-year-old woman and a 62-year-old man were held up in the 2700 block of East 89th Street.
- 1:00 p.m. – A 32-year-old woman was robbed in the 200 block of West 87th Street.
- 1:15 p.m. – A 39-year-old man became the final victim in the 100 block of West 87th Street.
Authorities did not release further details about how the robberies were carried out or what items were stolen. They also have not shared whether the victims were hurt during the incidents.
Police Investigation and Arrest
Police began investigating the series of robberies shortly after they happened. After months of work, they identified the 13-year-old suspect and took him into custody on Wednesday. He has been formally charged with five counts of armed robbery, which are serious felony offenses.
Since the suspect is a minor, his identity has not been released to the public. It is also unclear whether he acted alone or if others were involved in the crimes.
What Happens Next?
The case will now go through the legal system, and the boy could face severe consequences if convicted. Given his young age, the court may consider factors such as rehabilitation programs or juvenile detention instead of a traditional prison sentence.
Authorities are still investigating, and anyone with more information is encouraged to contact the police.
This incident has raised concerns about youth involvement in crime and the increasing number of armed robberies in Chicago. Local leaders and law enforcement officials continue to work on solutions to prevent young people from engaging in criminal activities.