Teen arrested in three armed robberies on Near West Side

Lawrence McGown, 18, was booked Sunday afternoon after officers arrested him in the 600 block of North Homan Avenue. The charge connects him to a series of violent crimes on the Near West Side.

Investigators said McGown robbed three women at gunpoint between Oct. 27 and Nov. 8. In each incident, he took personal items and battered the victims. Police also linked him to two stolen cars taken from the area.

The first robbery occurred on Oct. 27 in the 300 block of North Racine Avenue. A 29-year-old woman was attacked there. The second incident happened Nov. 7 in the 1200 block of West Fulton Market, where a 35-year-old woman was targeted. The third robbery took place Nov. 8 in the 200 block of North Elizabeth Street. A 24-year-old woman was robbed in that location.

Officers recovered two vehicles tied to McGown. One car was reported stolen on Oct. 26 from the 3500 block of West Dickens Avenue. The second vehicle was taken on Nov. 5 from the 1600 block of West Madison Street. Police have not yet said how the cars were found or if other suspects are involved.

McGown faces nine felony charges. These include three counts of armed robbery with a firearm and three counts of aggravated battery in a public place. He also faces two counts of receiving, possessing, or selling a stolen vehicle. A final charge is for aggravated possession of a weapon by a person under 21.

Police did not release details about the injuries sustained by the victims. They also did not specify what personal property was stolen. McGown is set to appear in court Tuesday for a detention hearing.