'Frustrating and terrifying': CPD investigating 4 kidnappings, armed robberies near Wrigley Field
Free self-defense classes offered in West Loop
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago police said they are still looking for the men they say kidnapped and robbed four people at gunpoint over the weekend along busy parts of Clark and Addison streets in Wrigleyville.
Fortunately, police said the victims are OK, but residents said they are now staying extra aware of their surroundings.
"It's frustrating and terrifying all at the same time," said Laura Provost, a Lakeview resident. "It's terrifying. Being a woman walking around at night at 1 in the morning, you should feel safe enough to get from point A to point B."
"There's a lot of eyes, a lot of cameras, a lot of light on Clark Street," said Sam Sanchez, owner of Old Crow Smoke House. "Clark Street they shouldn't take lightly, because we're pretty organized over there."
Chicago police said the three incidents happened between midnight and 1:15 a.m. Saturday and Sunday along the 3400, 3500, and 3600 blocks of North Clark Street, as well as the 1100-block of West Addison.
"There's thousands of people on the street, so for three guys to jump out of a car and force someone into the car, somebody should have notice something," Sanchez said.
"We're doing everything we can as I said to support each other and to help each other out, lean on each other and make sure that we're keeping our eyes open and we're watching our backs," Wrigleyville business owner Adam Feather said.
Police said the men in question forced the victims into a gray sedan at gunpoint and robbed them of their cellphones and wallets, before kicking them out of the car.
"I carry a gun every day, so I think that answers that question," one Lakeview business owner said. "Chicago as a whole is a tourist city and when you hear stuff like this on the news, it definitely puts you on alert and makes you very vigilant."
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In the West Loop, Katalin Rodriguez Ogren is teaching free self-defense classes after a series of attempted kidnappings there last month.
"At the end of the day, when you're being attacked, you're in a fight. You've been ambushed, it's not something you've planned for," she said. "Personal safety management is something that's important just like personal finances and personal health."
She said being able to defend yourself is a critical skill set that boosts confidence.
Back in Lakeview, Chicago police asked residents to stay alert and to contact them with information that could help identify the suspects.
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"It doesn't matter where you live. You have to be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to what's behind you," Provost said.
There are two more free self-defense classes happening this month at POW! Gym in the West Loop on Saturday and the following Monday. Click here to sign up.
