Students attacked by robbers with knife after school in Lincoln Park

CHICAGO (WLS) -- School officials from St. Josaphat School in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood confirmed a group of students was held at knifepoint by three robbers while walking home from school Monday.

"It's very concerning. And you would think this neighborhood might be a little safer, but I always have my guard up," said Valerie, parent of a St. Josaphat student.

Three eighth graders were near Wrightwood Park on North Greenview Avenue on their way to watch an after-school cross country practice when they were approached by two men armed with a knife. The men demanded one boy's phone, and the student complied.

School officials said none of the boys were injured, and after the robbery went to cross country practice where the coach called the police. Police told school officials a similar incident had happened recently nearby.

"For somebody to go do that very brazen act right in the middle of the afternoon, and going after three kids who are on their way to after school activities, is just out of control," said 32nd Ward Alderman Scott Waguespack.

Ald. Waguespack said in addition to the robbery near Wrightwood Park, knife-wielding thieves also targeted victims in Bucktown Monday afternoon, near North Wood Street and West Cortland Street and West North Avenue and North Honore Street.

It is unclear if the crimes are related, but Waguespack said they've been happening too often.

"This has been kind of a constant throughout the summer. These aren't isolated incidents," Waguespack said.

Waguespack said he plans to talk to police about more patrols in this area, but in the meantime administrators at St. Josaphat school are warning students and parents to be extra vigilant. Chicago police are investigating.