Man Wearing Surgical Mask Robs Gas Station At Knifepoint: Police

EVANSTON, IL — Police said a man in a face mask robbed an Evanston gas station at knifepoint Wednesday. Around 11:30 p.m., a robber wearing a red hoody, dark pants and what appeared to be a surgical face mask walked into the Citgo at 1925 Green Bay Road, according to police.

The robber walked around to the cash register, brandished a knife and demanded the clerk open it, Cmdr. Brian Henry said.

The knife-wielding man — described as six feet to six feet three inches, 20 to 25 years old and black — grabbed several hundred dollars in cash and ran away heading west from the gas station, according to Henry.

The incident was captured by security cameras, Henry said, and detectives are set to review the footage.

Gas stations are among the businesses deemed essential during Gov. JB Pritzker's statewide stay-at-home executive order. They are allowed to remain open and may require employees to come to work during the order, which took effect Saturday and lasts until at least April 7.