Multiple suspects believed to be involved in the attempted robbery that sent a woman running onto Lake Shore Drive for help before she was fatally hit by a car turned themselves in to police for questioning Tuesday, a source told NBC Chicago.
The news comes one day after police released surveillance photos of the alleged robbery suspects.
Community activist Andrew Holmes, who is close to the investigation and related to the victim, said he spoke with at least one parent who reached out after seeing their child’s face in the photos. Holmes accompanied the teen and the family to police headquarters Tuesday evening where they were expected to be questioned by investigators. Up to three others were also seen walking into the police station Tuesday.
Police could not immediately confirm the information.
It is not clear what role, if any, the teens had in the alleged incident, but Holmes said an investigation is ongoing.
“All we want to do is just clear it up,” he said.
Police said 32-year-old Pamela Johnson and a man were walking near 600 Lake Shore Drive in the city’s Gold Coast neighborhood just before 2 a.m. Sunday when a group of men displayed a gun and tried to rob them. The couple was chased onto Lake Shore Drive as they ran for help, but both were hit by a pickup truck in the southbound lanes of the roadway.
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Johnson was killed and her 43-year-old boyfriend was hospitalized.
The boyfriend said the couple ran into traffic because they “had no choice.”
“We clear the northbound, get southbound and I can see them coming with the gun in the air, chasing,” the 43-year-old, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of his safety, told NBC Chicago. “We just jumping in front of traffic because we see a gun.”
The suspects were described as being between the ages of 18 and 25.
Surveillance photos were released Monday and more photos released Tuesday. Police said the attack may have involved up to eight men.
“We’re asking parents to step up and they’re stepping up,” Holmes said. “Everybody has to come together to be on the same page. Everything must stop in this city and if we don’t put our foot down and help them, it’ll keep going on like a revolving door.”
Anyone who recognizes the suspects in the photos is being asked to call Area Central detectives at (312) 747-8380. Those looking to make anonymous tips can also call (800) 883-5587.
