Arrests
A man has robbed five Northwest Side businesses at knifepoint in two weeks using the same method each time.
Published
35 minutes ago
on
August 16, 2026
Chicago Police are seeking the public's help identifying a man who has robbed five Northwest Side businesses at knifepoint by pretending to buy a canned drink before pulling a knife on cashiers. The incidents occurred across Avondale, Logan Square, and Portage Park between July 31 and August 15, 2026. (Google Maps)
A man has been robbing Northwest Side businesses using the same calculated method for two weeks, selecting a canned drink as a distraction before producing a knife and reaching over the counter to steal cash from open registers, according to the Chicago Police Department.
His Method
The pattern is identical in every incident.
The offender enters a store and selects a canned drink to purchase.
He hands the cashier money. When the cashier opens the register to make change, the offender produces a knife, reaches over the counter, and removes cash from the register. He then flees the business on foot.
The Five Incidents
July 31, 2026, at 9:05 p.m. — 3400 block of West Belmont Avenue in the Avondale neighborhood in the 14th District.
August 6, 2026, at 1:58 p.m. — 3300 block of West Fullerton Avenue in the Logan Square neighborhood in the 17th District.
August 6, 2026, at 3:23 p.m. — 3400 block of West Belmont Avenue in Avondale. The suspect returned to the same block on the same day just over an hour after his earlier robbery.
August 11, 2026, at 10:40 p.m. — 3200 block of North Milwaukee Avenue in Avondale in the 14th District.
August 15, 2026, at 6:05 p.m. — 4700 block of West Belmont Avenue in the Portage Park neighborhood in the 25th District.
The suspect has struck on Belmont Avenue three times, including twice in one day on August 6.
Suspect Description
Chicago Police describe the suspect as a Black male between 25 and 35 years old, between 5 feet 10 inches and 6 feet 2 inches tall, and weighing between 210 and 250 pounds.
How to Help
Anyone who recognizes this suspect or has information about these robberies is asked to contact Chicago Police at the 14th District at 312-744-8290, the 17th District at 312-742-4480, or the 25th District at 312-746-8605. Anonymous tips can be submitted at cpdtip.com or by calling 1-800-535-7867.
Business owners and cashiers in the Avondale, Logan Square, and Portage Park neighborhoods are advised to be alert to customers purchasing canned drinks and to have a plan in place if a robbery occurs. Do not resist. Cooperate with the offender and contact police immediately after he leaves.
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