Residents thought there may have been a break in that case, but now it looks like that break is a bust.
Chicago police released a 25-year-old man they arrested Monday in connection with the muggings without filing charges. A tip from someone who saw a sketch of a suspect led police to the man. Investigators say the victim of the Aug. 1 attack on North Cleveland and West Armitage identified the man in a line-up. That attack is connected to three others in Lincoln Park.
But after spending 36 hours in police custody, the man was released because of lack of evidence.
Before the man was released, there was yet another attack in Lakeview around 9 p.m. Tuesday when a 23-year-old man was robbed at gunpoint by two men on North Seminary. The victim was not injured, but police say they got his wallet and cell phone. They fled the scene.
That brings the total of similar assaults to nine in three neighborhoods in recent weeks. All of the victims were men who were walking alone who were often beaten and robbed by a group of men.
But so far, police are only linking four attacks in Lincoln Park. However, the five other recent attacks in Lakeview and Ravenswood are not believed to be connected.
"I am encouraged that we have someone who is of interest and he's speaking with us," said Superintendent Jody Weis, Chicago Police Department, before the man's release.
The North Side attacks have had residents on edge.
"I think everybody has talked about it. It's something that you have to be aware of no matter what," said Tony Reale, resident.
"I think people are ready for some closure, so we can be more relaxed," said Chris Marzec, resident.
Fitness Formula Halsted Street is hosting a self-defense class that will be open to the public August 22. Employees decided to offer the free class in response to the robberies.
"This time it hit really close to home. Buckingham, Halsted - these are streets we walk every day," said Michael Shields, Fitness Formula Clubs
Just last week, statistics show, there was an uptick in robberies in Lincoln Park but that crime in Chicago is down overall.
"I'd be more concerned in places like Englewood than Lincoln Park. I think they blew it out of proportion," said Mike Candle.
