A South Side man was charged Friday with a rash of armed robberies that included several tow truck drivers in the South Chicago District.
Bobby Simms, 22, of the 7900 block of South Essex Avenue was arrested while robbing a victim at knifepoint in the alley of the 8000 block of South Kingston Avenue, Chicago Police said.
Police uncovered a pattern of the armed robberies and organized a concentrated effort in the 8000-8100 block of South Kingston Avenue. Police caught Simms in the act of robbing a victim and, after a brief foot chase, were able to arrest him. Simms was identified and then led police to the place where he dropped the proceeds of the crime.
Authorities discovered Simms had three outstanding warrants, eventually linking him to several of the tow truck driver robberies.
Simms has been charged with eight counts of armed robbery with a firearm, one count of armed robbery with a dangerous weapon, one count of harassment by telephone, one warrant for domestic battery, one warrant for unlawful use of a weapon and one warrant for contempt of court.
