Suspects luring, robbing rideshare drivers in West Side crime spree: police

Rideshare drivers robbed on Chicago's West Side

Rideshare drivers are being targeted in a series of armed robberies and vehicle hijackings on Chicago?s West Side, police warn.

CHICAGO - Rideshare drivers are being targeted in a series of armed robberies and vehicle hijackings on Chicago’s West Side, police warn.

Armed Robberies on West Side 

Where the Robberies Occurred:

The incidents happened on the following dates and locations, between Jan. 5 - Feb. 2: 

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

What we know:

Chicago police said up to six suspects—Black male teenagers wearing dark clothing and ski masks—were involved in the armed robberies and lured victims through a rideshare app.

When the victim arrives, the suspects get into the vehicle and pose as regular passengers.

After reaching the destination, the suspects either brandish a handgun or knife or put the victim in a chokehold from behind, pinning them against the driver’s seat, authorities said.

They then demand the victim’s belongings and vehicle.

What they're saying:

Rideshare apps try to verify the rider’s identity, but Lori Simmons, who is with the Chicago Gig Alliance, said that verification is optional.

"We are curious as to what went wrong. Is there a problem with the verified process because it wasn't mandatory? The passengers were able to keep using anonymous accounts and drivers were able to be convinced to go there because there's a financial incentive," said Simmons.

Lyft and Uber have also released statements on the reported incidents.

"The type of behavior being described has no place in the Lyft community, and our thoughts are with these drivers," a Lyft spokesperson said. 

"We’re alarmed by these reports of violence. Safety is at the core of Uber, which is why we invest in technology to help protect drivers, like in-app audio and video recording, emergency features, and our rider verification program, which shows drivers when riders have undergone additional verification steps right on the trip request so drivers can make more informed decisions before accepting a trip. We know that our work on safety will never be done. We will continue to improve and innovate to make the Uber platform safer for all," an Uber spokesperson said. 

Proposed Ordinance:

Alderman Mike Rodriguez of the 22nd Ward has been working on rideshare wage increases and safety for about two years under the "Rideshare Living Wage and Safety Ordinance." 

The measure would also make identity verification mandatory for all riders.

"Their profession is a difficult one. It's challenging. Some of them fear for their safety," said  Rodriguez. "We saw that in the coronavirus epidemic, these types of workers were the most at risk of having their public health exposed. Now they're at risk of having their safety exposed. We need to be there for them," said Ald. Rodriguez.

The ordinance is currently in committee.

What you can do:

Police urge anyone who becomes a robbery victim not to resist or pursue a fleeing suspect.

Instead, they advise calling 911 immediately and remaining on the scene when possible.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Area Four detectives at 312-746-8253 or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com.