TV news crew ATTACKED by armed gunman

A two-man television crew was covering a series of armed robberies in Chicago when they became victims of a stick-up themselves.

The Chicago Police Department and information from the outlet indicate that a Univision Chicago reporter/photographer pair were recording video for their broadcast Monday at North Milwaukee Avenue around 5 a.m. They were covering some recent armed robberies in the area when a black SUV and a gray sedan rolled up on their location. Three men with ski masks jumped out of the vehicles, allegedly brandishing firearms.

“The offenders then took the victims’ belongings before returning to the vehicles and fleeing southbound,” according to Chicago police spokesperson Kellie Bartoli. The victims were not injured, but the crime was a little on the nose considering what they were in the area to cover.

An infographic from the 17th District of the Chicago Police Department lists the locations of the businesses that were recent victims of armed robberies, as well as detailed descriptions of the suspects involved.

Please be aware: Updated Business Alert for recent Robberies in the area. pic.twitter.com/ZdwjWdXghy

— 17th District – Albany Park (@ChicagoCAPS17) August 29, 2023

One of the offenders was described as an “African-American Male, 20-25 years of age” with a black mask, grey sweatshirt, blue pants and light green gloves. A second suspect was noted to be an “African-American male, 20-25 years of age” with a blue sweatshirt, black pants, and the same light green gloves. They are believed to have been driving a silver Hyundai Elantra or a white SUV.

The department also included a helpful list of tips for citizens concerned about the crime spree.

“Be aware of this crime and alert nearby businesses,” the list reads. “Pay special attention to any suspicious loitering in the area. Ensure that existing surveillance cameras are functional. Call 911 immediately and provide a detailed description of the offender(s) including any vehicle description and license plate information.”

The reporter, who asked to remain anonymous, told Block Club that it was “total irony” that he and his photographer are now part of the larger story.

“As a journalist, you never want to be the story, right? You’re reporting on the story but you never think that you can become the story. That’s not why we do this,” he said. “So I guess it’s another reminder of how important it is to keep doing these stories and to keep pressure on our local authorities to try to prevent more events like that.”

He said the robbery serves as a warning that everyone should remain vigilant.

“This could happen to anybody. So it’s an eye opener, for anyone that works in news that this could happen,” the journalist said. “It happened to me early in the morning, but I think it could literally happen any time of day.”

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