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Bears Safety Owens Targeted in Chicago Robbery Attempt

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, February 16th 2026 at 13:27 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: UNITED STATES, CHINA

Chicago, IL - February 16th, 2026 - Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens became the latest victim of an increasingly common trend in Chicago: targeted robberies of high-profile individuals. Owens revealed on Instagram yesterday that he was the target of a robbery attempt while leaving a grocery store, sparking concern among fans and raising questions about public safety in the city.

The incident, which occurred late Sunday evening, saw Owens approached by two individuals attempting to steal his belongings. In a post shared with his followers, Owens detailed the encounter, stating, "I was walking from the grocery store to my car and two guys came up to me, trying to rob me. Luckily, I was able to get away. One of them grabbed my bag, but I fought back and got it back. A bystander helped me out too."

The Chicago Police Department (CPD) has confirmed they are investigating the attempted robbery, although details remain scarce. Police spokesperson Sergeant Maria Hernandez stated, "We are aware of the incident involving Mr. Owens and are actively gathering information. We encourage anyone with knowledge of this or any other criminal activity to come forward." Hernandez confirmed that the department is reviewing security footage from the grocery store and surrounding businesses.

While Owens was thankfully unharmed and able to recover his belongings, this incident is not isolated. Over the past year, Chicago has seen a worrying rise in robberies specifically targeting professional athletes, musicians, and other public figures. Experts suggest these incidents are often carefully planned, with perpetrators identifying potential victims based on their perceived wealth and visibility.

"These aren't random acts of opportunity," explains Dr. Emily Carter, a criminologist at Northwestern University specializing in urban crime trends. "We're seeing a level of sophistication in these robberies that indicates pre-planning and surveillance of the victims. The attackers are likely scouting locations and identifying individuals who appear to be carrying valuables or who live in affluent areas."

In November 2025, Chicago Bulls guard, Demar DeRozan, had his vehicle broken into while dining at a River North restaurant, losing expensive jewelry. Prior to that, in July 2025, Grammy-winning singer, Lizzo, reported a similar incident near Navy Pier. These cases, along with several others that have gone unreported due to victims' desires for privacy, are fueling concerns that Chicago is becoming a magnet for this type of crime.

City officials are under increasing pressure to address the issue. Alderman Sophia Rodriguez, representing the ward where the incident involving Owens occurred, stated, "We are committed to ensuring the safety of all our residents, including those who contribute to the vibrant cultural and athletic life of our city. We are working with the CPD to increase patrols in high-risk areas and implement preventative measures." Rodriguez also announced plans for a community meeting next week to discuss safety concerns with residents.

The CPD has also announced the formation of a specialized task force dedicated to investigating robberies targeting high-profile individuals. The task force will utilize advanced surveillance technology, data analysis, and collaboration with other law enforcement agencies to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. However, critics argue that a purely reactive approach is insufficient and that addressing the root causes of crime - poverty, lack of opportunity, and inadequate social services - is crucial for long-term solutions.

Owens, who is preparing for the upcoming NFL season, has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support he's received. He posted a follow-up message thanking fans and community members for their well wishes. Despite the ordeal, he remains optimistic about his future in Chicago, but the incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges the city faces in maintaining public safety. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Chicago Police Department.

This latest incident will undoubtedly reignite the debate about personal security for high-profile individuals and the effectiveness of current crime prevention strategies in Chicago.