Armed robberies in Aurora, Naperville, Downers Grove, Marengo may be linked, police say

NAPERVILLE, Ill. (WLS) -- Police in Marengo are looking for two suspects who shot a clerk last week, and investigators say they might also be tied to robberies in Aurora, Naperville and Downers Grove.

Naperville and Downers Grove police are looking for suspects wanted in connection for robbing two stores at gunpoint Sunday evening.

Just before 10 p.m. Sunday, two men entered Extra Value Liquors on East Bailey Road in Naperville.

SEE ALSO | Marengo shooting suspects linked to Aurora robbery spree, police say

"One was carrying a handgun and they subsequently struck a clerk in the face with a handgun, causing lacerations to his nose," said Cmdr. Michaus Williams, public information officer for the Naperville Police Dept.

Police said the men stole cash and the clerk's phone before taking off.

Less than two hours later, a similar robbery was reported in from a 7-Eleven in Downers Grove. Again, one man was seen carrying a handgun.

SEE ALSO | Marengo gas station clerk shot in overnight armed robbery, community raises thousands in hours

"We can reasonably surmise they're linked based on the MOs and the clothing worn by the suspects at the time," Williams said.

Aurora police said another similar armed robbery happened at a 7-Eleven on Montgomery Road just before 1 a.m.

"We are communicating with all our law enforcement partners to see if there is any connection to possibly an armed robbery that also occurred in Naperville and one that occurred in Downers Grove," said Paris Lewbel, spokesperson for the Aurora Police Dept.

Aurora's overnight robbery follows three armed robberies last week - all with similar circumstances to the ones Sunday night. Investigators have already linked those crimes to one in Marengo where a gas station clerk was shot.

Investigators say the key to figuring out a possible connection is the public. They're asking anyone who might have information to come forward.