Chicago man charged in connection to machete robberies on city's Northwest Side
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A Chicago man is charged for allegedly using a machete in a string of robberies on the city's Northwest Side.
Andre Gonzalez, 35, has been charged with four counts of armed robbery in connection with the following incidents:
- June 3, 4000 Block of W. Eddy Street
- June 4, 3000 block of North Haussen Court
- June 5, 3700 block of North Troy Street.
Police said Gonzalez is connected to at least three armed robberies involving a machete in Northwest Side neighborhoods.
Our Sabrina Franza reported Gonzalez has six previous robbery convictions from 2016 and was on parole until February of last year. Other felony convictions include attempted robbery, unlawful use of a weapon, and possession of a controlled substance.
He's accused of using his girlfriend's car to drive around -- wielding a machete to rob four people in three separate attacks that date back to May 27. Chicago Police said they were only able to gather enough evidence to charge him for three of the eight robberies from June 3 to 5. They're working to see if they can connect Gonzalez with any of the other five robberies.
Incident times and locations:
- 3000 block of North Christiana Avenue on May 27th at 7:58 p.m.
- 3200 block of North Monticello Avenue on May 30th at 11:45 p.m.
- 4100 block of West Fletcher Street between May 30th at 11:45 p.m. and May 31st at 12:10 a.m.
- 3300 block of North Monticello Avenue on June 3rd at 9 p.m.
- 4000 block of West Eddy Street on June 3rd between 9 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.
- 3000 block of Christina Avenue on June 4th around 8:20 p.m.
- 4100 block of West Wellington Avenue on June 4th just before 9 p.m.
- 3700 block of North Troy Street on June 5th around 9 p.m.
In the meantime, one of the victims told us that the attack scared her to even go outside.
"Nervous, very nervous. It was a bad day. I can't walk. I love to walk not I can't walk," said Maria Mayancena.
The attacks have happened in Irving Park, Avondale, and Logan Square.
In each incident, the offender would approach the victim with a machete and demand their belongings. The offender would then flee in a 4-door sedan driven by a second offender.
No injuries were reported from either incident.
He is being held without bond.