Gunmen fire shot during bump-and-run robbery in River North, police say

Four masked suspects struck a vehicle, then robbed the occupants at gunpoint in downtown Chicago.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 6:21pm

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Four masked gunmen fired a shot into the pavement during a brazen bump-and-run robbery in the heart of Chicago's River North neighborhood early Wednesday morning. The suspects struck a vehicle from behind, then jumped out and robbed the occupants at gunpoint, taking the male victim's phone before fleeing the scene.

Why it matters

Bump-and-run robberies are a concerning tactic that has been on the rise in major cities, putting innocent victims at risk of violence and property loss. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges Chicago faces with violent crime, especially in high-traffic tourist and commercial areas like River North.

The details

According to police, the robbery unfolded around 3:52 a.m. in the first block of East Ontario Street, just steps from the temporary Bally's casino. A 36-year-old woman and a 37-year-old man were sitting inside their vehicle when a gray sedan struck them from behind. Four men wearing ski masks then jumped out of the car, and at least two of them pointed guns at the victims. During the confrontation, one of the robbers fired a round into the ground, but no injuries were reported. The gunmen took the male victim's phone and forced him to unlock it before fleeing westbound on Ontario Street and then southbound on State Street.

  • The robbery occurred around 3:52 a.m. on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

The players

Chicago Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the incident.

36-year-old woman

One of the victims of the robbery, who was sitting in a vehicle with a 37-year-old man when they were targeted.

37-year-old man

One of the victims of the robbery, who was sitting in a vehicle with a 36-year-old woman when they were targeted.

Four masked gunmen

The suspects who carried out the bump-and-run robbery, striking the victims' vehicle and then robbing them at gunpoint.

Gray sedan

The vehicle used by the suspects to carry out the robbery.

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What they’re saying

“Bump-and-run robberies are a concerning tactic that has been on the rise in major cities, putting innocent victims at risk of violence and property loss.”

— Chicago Police Department, Spokesperson (cwbchicago.com)

What’s next

The Chicago Police Department is investigating the incident and searching for the suspects. They have not released a detailed description of the gunmen at this time.

The takeaway

This brazen robbery in the heart of River North highlights the ongoing challenges Chicago faces with violent crime, especially in high-traffic tourist and commercial areas. It underscores the need for continued vigilance and efforts to address the root causes of such incidents to ensure the safety of residents and visitors alike.