Good Samaritan robbed in Glendale Heights

A woman who was trying to do a good deed in Glendale Heights instead wound up with a knife at her throat, police said.

Authorities say the woman was driving through the parking lot of Plaza Westlake, 2164 Bloomingdale Road, about 7:30 p.m. Sunday when she was approached by another woman who said she was looking for bus fare.

When the victim reached into her purse, the attacker pulled a knife and held it at the woman’s neck while reaching into the vehicle and taking money from her purse.

Glendale Heights Cmdr. Dennis Schar said the suspect is described as a black woman, about 20 years old, wearing a black jacket, blue jeans, glasses and large hooped earrings.

Schar did not say how much was taken.

He said the robbery serves as a reminder for residents to be careful.

“Be aware of your surroundings and make sure you keep valuables out of reach and out of plain sight,” he said. “I don’t want to discourage people from lending a hand, but don’t make it too easy for a would-be criminal to take advantage of you.”

Schar said the suspect fled on foot with a black male companion. No further description of the companion was available.

Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call the Glendale Heights Police Department at (630) 260-6070.