CPD: Rideshare drivers targeted in string of armed robberies, carjackings on West Side

CHICAGO — Rideshare drivers have fallen victim to several armed robberies and carjackings on the city’s West Side, prompting a warning from Chicago police amid their search for the males responsible.

According to CPD, a group of up to six male teenagers wearing dark clothing and ski masks were robbed in Garfield Park since the start of the year. In each instance, CPD said a group of men would call for a rideshare using an app.

After the rideshare driver arrived at the destination, the suspect(s) pulled out a gun or knife and put the victim in a chokehold from behind, pinning them against the driver’s seat. The suspect(s) then demand the victim’s personal belongings and vehicles.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: West Side robbery spree of Uber drivers prompts more calls for rideshare driver safety measures

Incident times and locations include:

• 3500 block of W. Van Buren St. on Jan. 5 at 11:40 p.m. (Harrison)
• 300 block of S. St. Louis Ave. on Jan. 18 at 11:30 p.m. (Harrison)
• 1200 block of S. Troy St. on Jan. 19 at 2:14 a.m. (Harrison)
• 3300 block of W. Harrison St. on Jan. 20 at 8:53 p.m. (Harrison)
• 3800 block of W. Polk St. on Jan. 20 at 11:33 a.m. (Harrison)
• 3800 block of W. Polk St. on Jan. 25 at 12:11 a.m. (Harrison)
• 3500 block of W. Flournoy St. on Feb. 2 at 2:55 p.m. (Harrison)

CPD’s alert on Thursday renewed lobbying calls by the Chicago Gig Alliance to pass the proposed Chicago Rideshare Living Ware and Safety Ordinance, which aims to make ridesharing platforms safer and support drivers in earning predictable wages. 

“Not only is this job dangerous, but we’re not even clearing minimum wage to do it,” said Lori Simmons, rideshare driver and lead organizer with Chicago Gig Alliance. “There are 85,000 rideshare drivers working in this city, and we can’t wait any longer for the City of Chicago to force these corporations to treat us like human beings.”

Tipsters may also call Area Four Detectives at (312) 746-8253.