Police investigating 3 recent armed robberies in Waukegan

The Waukegan Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division is investigating three separate recent armed robberies that include victims being pepper-sprayed and punched.

The first armed robbery happened at 1:20 p.m. Friday outside the PNC Bank, 1802 Belvidere Road, police said in a news release. The victim was approached by a man who demanded property. When the victim did not comply, the suspect pepper-sprayed the victim. The suspect, described as a black man, 5-feet 10-inches tall and about 20 years old, fled the area on foot. The victim wasn't seriously injured, police said.

In the second instance, two people were walking in the area of 600 Cummings Avenue at 12:47 a.m. Monday, Aug. 8, when they were approached by five black men in their late teens or early 20s. Two of the men had handguns. The group took money and property.

A short time later, three black men armed with handguns approached a single victim at about 1:25 a.m. in the 800 block of Adams Street and took money and property. The victim was also punched in the face.

None of the victims were seriously injured. Police aren't releasing the amount of money and what type of property was taken. Anyone with information should contact the Waukegan Police Department at (847) 360-9001.