Police have advised us about the following two citizen robberies that hit our neighborhood last night.
(1) The first robbery happened at the 9600 Blk Rhode Island Ave. at around 9:32 pm. Police units responded to the above location for a report of a citizen armed robbery. The victim advised that he was walking through the area when the suspect approached him armed with an unknown caliber handgun. At which point, the suspect began to strike the victim multiple times with the weapon while demanding the victim’s money. The suspect took the victim’s backpack containing miscellaneous clothing and medicine. The suspect then fled the scene on foot northbound on Rhode Island Ave. towards Edgewood Rd. A perimeter was established. K9 units responded to conduct a track with negative results. Police responded for further investigation. During a search of the area detectives located a BB gun which was possibly used by the suspect.
Suspect’s Description: B/M, 6’0”, thin build, wearing all black clothing. Armed with an unknown caliber.
(1) The second robbery happened at the 9700 Blk of 53rd Avenue. at around 8:15 pm. An unknown Suspect approached him from the rear, pointed a Black unknown type handgun at his abdomen and demanded his property. The Suspect (Unknown) stole the Victim’s wallet and cell phone and then fled in an unknown direction. The Victim could not provide a description of the Suspect or any further information.
Staff and I discussed further the robbery at the 53rd Ave location, which is close to Metro, where we see many commuters use this section after the dark. With days getting shorter, we may see the rise of this kind of robbery attempt at this location.
Staff told us that the Contract police officers have been advised and directed to increase patrol and visibility in the 9700 blocks of 53rd Avenue location. Also, the City engineer will look into the lighting situation around this block.
Let’s be careful. Stay safe!