Tunney target of holdup attempt; Empty wallet given back; 5 teens seized

Five teenagers were taken into police custody Saturday inconnection with the attempted armed robbery of Ald. Tom Tunney lessthan a block from his 44th Ward office on the North Side, ChicagoPolice said.

Tunney, who could not be reached for comment, was walking alonein the 3300 block of North Seminary around 1:30 p.m. Saturday whenhe was approached by five young men who demanded his wallet, policesaid.

One of the suspects had a weapon that "appeared to be a gun butcould have been a replica," Chicago Police spokeswoman Monique Bondsaid.

Bond said the teens did not know who Tunney was. She called therobbery attempt "a completely random approach."

A few hours earlier, there was a similar robbery attempt in thearea, apparently involving the same crew, Bond said.

"It appears that this is a group of teenagers just in the area,taking an opportunity," she said.

Tunney gave the suspects his wallet, but they returned it becausethere was no money in it, then ran away, Bond said.

"It was kind of an odd robbery, but fortunately, the alderman wasnot harmed," Bond said.

Police said they were able to track down the suspects near thecrime scene using descriptions Tunney and the earlier victim gavethem.

After they were taken into custody, two of the teens wereidentified by Tunney, Bond said.

No charges had been filed as of Saturday night.

Bond said attempted crimes like the one against Tunney are morelikely to happen during the holiday season.