Mount Prospect Police Officers responded about 7:48 p.m. Tuesday, March 23, 2026 to a report of an attempted strong arm robbery that had just occurred at the Subway restaurant, 30 East Northwest Highway. Upon arrival, Mount Prospect police officers met with a 23-year-old victim from Mount Prospect, who told officers that he had agreed to sell an item of jewelry to a person through an online marketplace at the restaurant at 30 East Northwest Highway. The victim explained that at approximately 7:45 p.m., a male who said he was there to buy the item approached the victim. The offender asked the victim if he could inspect the item prior to finalizing the transaction. The offender then forcefully took the item from the victim’s hand and ran toward the exit of the restaurant. The victim caught up to the offender and was able to gain possession of the item of jewelry back from the offender. The offender then exited the restaurant and fled in an unknown direction. Neither the victim nor a restaurant employee that was at the business were injured during the attempted robbery.
The offender is described as a black male in his late teens or early 20’s, approximately 6’3” tall, approximately 160 lbs., wearing a dark color hooded sweatshirt and dark colored pants.
The Mount Prospect Police Department is thankful that nobody was injured during this attempted robbery and would like to take the opportunity to share some safety information with anyone utilizing online marketplaces to buy or sell things locally in-person:
• Use Safe Zones: Use police station parking lots or lobbies, which often have 24/7 video surveillance. The Mount Prospect Police Department Headquarters is available for safer exchanges.
• If They Refuse, Walk Away: If a buyer or seller refuses to meet at a police station, it is a red flag to stop the transaction.
• Meet in Public and Well-Lit Areas: If not at a police station, choose a location with high foot traffic, such as a coffee shop or shopping center.
• Bring Someone: Always bring a friend or family member for security.
• Daylight Exchange: Conduct transactions during daylight hours.
• Don’t Share Info: Do not give out your home address or personal information before the meeting.
• Handle Cash Carefully: Use cash or verified, secure digital payments, and only bring the exact amount needed.
• Inspect Before Payment: Thoroughly inspect the item before finalizing the purchase.
The Mount Prospect Police Department continues to investigate this attempted strong-arm robbery and is asking anyone who has information regarding this crime to call the Mount Prospect Police Department’s Investigations Section at 847-870-5654.
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The information in this article is an early report published before any summary information was confirmed or released by police or fire authorities.
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