Survivor’s Terrifying Gunpoint Ordeal in Ukrainian Village
Austin Keep, a 35-year-old resident of Chicago’s Near West Side, recently shared a chilling experience of being held at gunpoint while walking his two dogs near West Rice Street and North Oakley Boulevard in Ukrainian Village. The incident took place in the dead of night as Keep was returning home with his pets after a walk.
Confrontation with Robbers
Keep recounted how he noticed a suspicious vehicle in an alley and quickly tried to distance himself from it. To his horror, two masked individuals emerged from the car, with one pointing a gun directly at him. The robbers, who Keep believed to be teenagers, demanded his phone and wallet, prompting him to comply out of fear for his safety.
“I just tried to end it as quickly as possible,” Keep shared. “I asked them not to shoot and tried to reason with them, hoping they wouldn’t do anything reckless.”
The situation escalated when the thieves demanded the passcode to Keep’s phone before fleeing in a white sedan. Keep, who recognized the vehicle from a previous crime report, expressed shock at the robbers’ reckless behavior after using his credit card to place an online food order totaling $150.
Recovery and Caution
Despite the harrowing experience, Keep remained grateful that the police were able to recover his phone. He urged his neighbors to remain vigilant, especially during nighttime hours, emphasizing the need for increased caution.
“It was pretty scary. I just hope that no one else has to go through this or become victims of such crimes,” Keep said, reflecting on the traumatic event. “I hope the perpetrators are brought to justice soon.”
The survivor’s ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the importance of community safety and awareness in urban neighborhoods. Keep’s courage in sharing his story highlights the resilience of individuals facing such traumatic incidents and the necessity of supporting one another in times of distress. Let us all take a moment to empathize with his experience and reflect on ways we can contribute to a safer environment for all members of our community.
