Robber pepper sprays cashiers at South Side drug stores

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Police are warning businesses on Chicago's South Side of two recent armed robberies where the suspect pepper sprayed cashiers.

A community alert issued by police said two drug stores were robbed in the last six weeks: one in the 8700-block of South Stony Island Avenue on Christmas Eve around 10 a.m. and another in the 11000-block of South Western Avenue on Jan. 15 around 11 a.m.

Police said in each incident, a man walked up to the counter, pretending to make a purchase. When the cashier opened the register, the suspect pulled out a can of pepper spray and aimed at the cashier's face. Police said the man then stole money out of the register and ran away.

The suspect is described as a black man in his 30's with a medium complexion and an afro. He was between 5 ft. 7 in. and 6 ft. 2 in. tall and weighed between 160 and 225 lbs.

Anyone with information regarding these armed robberies should call Area South detectives at 312-747-8273.