Evanston police are urging residents to use extra care when out driving after a series of recent incidents in which criminals targeted drivers.
On Tuesday evening three drivers were victimized between 8 and 9 p.m.
- A woman reported that three young men tried to enter her vehicle while she was parked in the 1600 block of Simpson Street. She managed to drive off and report the incident to police.
- Another woman reported that, as she was getting out of her car in the 1400 block of Church Street, two teens, one with a gun in his hand, approached her. She screamed and ran into her home, and her assailants fled.
- A pizza delivery driver told police he was approached by two young men in the 2100 block of Simpson Street. One of the men pointed a gun at his head and forced the victim to turn over his wallet and cell phone. The robbers then fled on foot.
And last Thursday an elderly woman was carjacked by two men who ran into the rear of her car on Sheridan Road at Davis Street. Police say the victim’s car has since been recovered and a juvenile who may have been involved in the incident is in custody on an unrelated charge.
Police Cmdr. Ryan Glew says car thefts and carjackings have been on the rise in the Chicago area. He says residents need to be aware of their surroundings, not leave cars running unattended, and report suspicious incidents to the police.
If you’re involved in an accident that appears suspicious, Glew says, call 911 and drive to the police department or another safe area.