U-Haul truck used in recovered flights; The suspects are still at large – NBC Chicago

U-Haul has recovered a truck that was used in a series of assaults in lakeside neighborhoods earlier this week, though the suspects remain at large, officials say.

According to detectives, the victims are tackled on the sidewalk where their property is forcibly taken by a suspect, before the suspect rushes to a U-Haul truck being used as an escape vehicle.

A U-Haul spokesperson issued the following statement to NBC 5:

“The rental equipment used by the individual who committed these crimes was identified and recovered by a local U-Haul team member earlier this week. The truck is back in our possession. The Chicago police are aware of this. The search and recovery took place after CPD officers visited one of our stores near the scene of the theft and informed us of the situation. We have offered to provide CPD with any additional information and assistance they require in their investigation to ensure that the individual responsible is brought to justice.“

Three attacks took place on Tuesday: the first just after 10:00 a.m. in the 500 block of East Grand in Streeterville, another around 1:30 p.m. along the 5900 block of North Kenmore in Edgewater and a third around 9:40 p.m. along the 3000 block of North Pine Grove at East Lake View.

Bob Dressel, who recently moved to Edgewater, said the thefts were a concern.

“I think it’s something all residents should be aware of,” he said.

Police released stills from surveillance video on Thursday showing the vehicle involved in the thefts: a U-Haul van truck with a tourist destination graphic on the side. They also released another photo of the alleged suspect. He appears to be between 20 and 30 years old, wearing a black, blue or gray jacket and dark colored jeans.

The attacks have East Lakeviewers like Kyle Fosnaugh on the alert.

“I thought it was a safer part of Chicago, I wasn’t too worried. But now I’m a little more worried,” he said.

According to police reports, the victims’ credit cards were used to purchase gift cards and other merchandise, almost always at the nearest Target store.

U-Haul works with the Chicago Police Department, saying in a statement that it “employs a strong investigative unit that works closely with law enforcement to ensure that those involved in criminal acts involving our equipment are arrested and prosecuted”.

Another resident, Stanton Thompson, says he is careful every time he goes out.

“I look out the door before I walk out, got pepper spray and everything,” he said.

He told his neighbors to be careful.

“Look around and everything,” he said. “It’s sad but time becomes like that. We just have to keep praying,” he said.