Kankakee Police Investigating Back-to-Back Robberies of Pizza Delivery Drivers and Gunfire at Nearby Home

KANKAKEE, IL – Police in Kankakee are investigating a string of violent crimes after two pizza delivery drivers were robbed within two hours Saturday night, followed by gunfire that struck a nearby home early Monday morning.

Two Delivery Drivers Targeted on East Willow Street

The first robbery occurred around 7:53 p.m. Saturday in the 900 block of East Willow Street. Police said a masked man dressed in black confronted the driver, implied he had a gun, and stole the victim’s wallet before fleeing the scene (Country Herald report).

Just under two hours later, at 9:38 p.m., another delivery driver was robbed in the same area. This time the suspect carried a machete, but investigators noted that the description matched the earlier attacker, raising the likelihood that the same individual committed both crimes.

A Kankakee officer remarked,

“The fact that both drivers were approached in nearly identical circumstances tells us they were clearly targeted while working.”

Gunfire Strikes Home Early Monday Morning

At approximately 1:40 a.m. Monday, officers were dispatched to the 700 block of South Wall Street after reports of shots fired. A home had been struck multiple times. Investigators later found shell casings outside and recovered a bullet from inside the residence, according to police reports.

Witnesses told police they saw two individuals dressed in black fleeing through a nearby alley immediately after the shooting.

One shaken resident told officers,

“We woke up to the sound of gunfire. It’s terrifying to know our neighborhood homes are being targeted.”

Investigators Request Public’s Help

Police are now asking residents with doorbell or security cameras to check their footage from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday and 1:30 to 2 a.m. Monday. Video evidence can be submitted to K3detectives@gmail.com or uploaded directly through Ring (public plea).

The department is also encouraging tipsters to call (815) 933-0426 or provide anonymous information to Kankakee County Crime Stoppers at (815) 932-7463.

A police spokesperson emphasized,

“These incidents are deeply concerning, and we need the public’s help to hold those responsible accountable.”

Community Reacts to Crime Wave

The quick succession of robberies and the shooting have left many Kankakee residents unsettled. Food delivery workers in particular are voicing concerns about safety while on duty.

A local driver commented,

“We already worry about traffic and long nights. Now we’re worried about being robbed while doing our job.”

Do you believe food delivery drivers should receive more safety protections in communities like Kankakee? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.