Video shows 2 robberies at River West bar; The Dandy Crown says employee 'body-slammed'

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Robbers armed with a knife targeted a Northwest Side bar twice this week, Chicago police said.

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The Dandy Crown is described as a beloved local cocktail bar in River West at 694 N. Milwaukee Ave.

On Monday, at about 10:44 p.m. a man entered the bar and pulled out a sharp object while demanding money from the cash register, police said.

Chicago police said the suspect was unsuccessful in taking money from the register and took a woman's bag and two phones before fleeing the scene.

The bar owners said the suspect was wearing a mask, and he left within 30 seconds.

Nobody was hurt.

The second incident happened on Wednesday at about 8:15 p.m., police said. A man was allegedly at the bar when he reached into a woman's purse and took her things.

Police said the suspect struck the victim before entering a red SUV. The victim declined medical treatment.

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The owner said the suspect was wearing all black and a black baseball cap.

They say he allegedly told the bartender he was waiting for a friend. However, he suddenly took a purse from an employee-only area.

A staff member saw the suspect going through her purse. When she approached him, the suspect allegedly "body-slammed" her.

"The Dandy Crown will implement security measures, but more needs to be done by the city of Chicago," a spokesperson said in a statement.

Nobody is in custody. Police are investigating.

The bar is closed Thursday, and they plan to hire a door manager.

In a statement early Thursday morning, owner Julia Shell said Dandy Crown has been robbed at least five times over the last two years.

"Small businesses in Chicago continue to suffer daily, and staff and patron safety are a top priority," she said.

The Dandy Crown is expected to reopen Friday.