CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Chicago police have issued a warning about numerous armed robberies that are targeting rideshare drivers.
Between Dec. 3 – 24, CPD reported at least seven rideshare drivers were robbed in the Austin and Belmont Cragin neighborhoods, alone.
The attacks appear to be the latest danger for rideshare drivers, who — through the Chicago Gig Alliance (CGA), which represents their political needs — have been calling for policies that could better protect them.
Of the Illinois drivers surveyed by the CGA, 74% reported experiencing threats, harassment or assault in only the past year. At least two rideshare drivers have been killed in December.
Chicago police said the most recent armed robberies have almost exclusively taken place between 3 – 6 a.m., with one taking place at 5 p.m. Drivers were targeted while they were parked for drop-off or pickup.
Officials said the attackers opened the driver’s side door, and many of the victims reported being struck in the head with a gun.
Descriptions of the suspects were vague, but it appeared to be a group of three or four armed individuals.
The most recent attack happened Christmas Eve on the corner of Lawler and Grand Avenues.
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