Chicago Teens Charged in Armed Purse Snatching Attempt

Three Chicago teens have been charged in connection with an armed robbery attempt, police said.

The attempt took place around 7 p.m. Nov. 29 in the 100 block of North Lombard Ave., where a 48-year-old woman was approached by the trio, which consisted of two boys, 13 and 16, and a 16-year-old girl.

The victim told police two of the teens crossed the street and began following her. That’s when the girl blocked the woman’s path, punched her in the back of the head and reached across her waist in an attempt to pull the bag from her shoulder. The 16-year-old boy produced a BB gun during the attempt, authorities said.

Shortly after the incident, officers tracked down the 13-year-old boy and the 16-year-old girl in the 0-100 block of Lake Street. They were charged with attempted armed robbery and turned over to the custody of their parents.

The 16-year-old boy was arrested days later in the 900 block of North Central Avenue, authorities said. He was charged with attempted aggravated armed robbery and later taken to Chicago’s Manuel Saura Center.

The woman, an Oak Parker, sustained some soreness in her neck and back but refused medical attention, police said.