Would-be teen robber takes no for an answer

A young would-be robber came away empty-handed Tuesday after two victims refused to turn over their money. A 38-year-old man reported he was approached at 47th Street and Baltimore Avenue just after 6:30 p.m. by a teen who pointed a knife at him, demanded money and punched him in the face. The victim, who refused those demands, responded with Mace, which sent the robber scrambling.

He wasn’t done, though. Less than 10 minutes later, a 30-year-old woman reported she was confronted by someone with a “kitchen-type knife” near 46th and Hazel streets. He said “give me all your money and your cell phone,” but when the victim refused, the robber responded, “You’re lucky you’re a f— female” before walking away.

The suspect in both was described as 15 to 17 years old, 5-foot-6-inch to 5-foot-9-inch with a medium build, wearing a black shirt and black pants with white stripes.