Chicago Police Issue Warning After Nail Salons Robbed Using Chemical Irritant

CHICAGO, IL — The Chicago Police Department has issued a community alert warning business owners and patrons of a disturbing trend of robberies targeting nail salons in the Loop and South Loop neighborhoods, where suspects utilized a chemical irritant on victims.

According to the police warning, the robberies occurred at salons located along Michigan Avenue and Dearborn Street. In these incidents, suspects entered the businesses and deployed a chemical spray—believed to be pepper spray or mace—to incapacitate employees and customers. During the resulting confusion and distress, the offenders quickly stole cash from registers, along with personal belongings from the victims, before fleeing the scene.

The use of chemical agents has raised significant concern among community members and local business associations, as victims suffered temporary blindness and respiratory irritation. Emergency medical services were called to treat individuals affected by the chemical spray at the scene.

Police are advising salon staff to remain highly observant of anyone entering their shops acting suspiciously, to keep doors secure where possible, and to immediately call 911 if they suspect a robbery is imminent. Detectives are seeking assistance from the public to identify the suspects through surveillance footage captured near the crime scenes.