Cab drivers robbed in Wicker Park, police say

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Police warn taxi drivers to be on alert when picking up fares in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood after two separate, but similar, robberies in December.

Authorities said in each case, a man flagged down a cab and asked the driver to go to one location so he could pick up a child. He then requested a ride to a second location. After the first stop, the man got out of the cab, returned with a package and robbed the driver.

The incidents occurred in the 1600-block of North Paulina Street on Dec. 19 around 10 p.m. and in the 1300-block of North Bosworth Avenue on Dec. 22 around 9 a.m.

Police said the suspect is described as a Hispanic man in his 30s, between 6 ft. and 6 ft. 4 in. tall, weighing around 260-280 lbs. He was wearing all black and had tattoos on his face.

Anyone with information should contact Area North detectives at (312) 744-8263.