Arrests in robberies reported

Police have arrested two men who have thus far been charged with committing two robberies in the community. The first incident occurred at about 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 5. A resident was walking in the 5300 block of Woodlawn Avenue when a man jumped from a passing car and told him to hand over the book bag he was carrying. When the victim refused, the offender struck him on the head with his fist and tried, unsuccessfully, to take the book bag. The offender ran to the waiting car and fled.

At about 12:35 a.m. Oct. 5, a woman was standing in the 5200 block of Woodlawn talking to a friend when two men approached and grabbed her purse. The woman struggled and was knocked to the ground as the offender fled with her property. Police, who responded to the victim's call, discovered a car abandoned in a nearby alley and found the victim's possessions inside. Police traced the registered owner of the vehicle and subsequently arrested Terrence Bradford, 17, of the 7300 block of Crandon, and Roberto Wilson, 18, of the 4600 block of Ellis. Both men are being held on robbery charges.

Police are investigating to determine whether Bradford and Wilson are responsible for other robberies in the neighborhood.