Venezuelan national faces 6th arrest, this time for armed robbery in Chicago

A 25-year-old Venezuelan national has been arrested once again—this time for allegedly robbing a woman at gunpoint in Chicago. The incident happened just days after prosecutors in the city dropped previous charges against him.

Edmonds Peraza Cortez is now facing one felony count of armed robbery with a firearm, according to the Chicago Police Department. Cortez allegedly approached a 41-year-old woman while riding a bike on April 11, pulled a gun, and shouted, "Money! Money!" He then demanded she give him her cellphone, wallet, and electric scooter.

Police arrested Cortez less than an hour later. The robbery was captured on surveillance video, according to a report by CWB Chicago.

This is the sixth time Cortez has been arrested in just over a year. Prosecutors have already dropped four other cases involving him. The latest arrest came just three days after Cortez was taken off electronic monitoring following the dismissal of a narcotics case.

Cortez still faces trial on separate charges, including reckless conduct and possession of a replica firearm. As of now, there is no information about his legal representation.

Earlier this week, Mayor Brandon Johnson defended Chicago’s sanctuary city status. "Violence is down, investments are up, and we’ll continue to move in that direction to build a more inclusive economy for everyone," Johnson said.

Rep. Jesús "Chuy" García, D-Ill., also weighed in during a recent House Judiciary Subcommittee hearing.

"Republicans have lifted up some tragedies that involve immigrants committing a few crimes," Garcia said. "This is the exception, not the rule. I live in an immigrant neighborhood in Chicago. I know what it’s like."

Those comments drew a sharp response from Chicago Flips Red Vice President Danielle Carter-Walters.

"It’s funny that Mr. García is from Chicago, and he cannot tell you what’s happening in our community. If he came into our community, he would see all the gang graffiti, the Tren de Aragua signs, the MS-13," Carter-Walters testified. "He would see across the street in a park where they’re putting the shelters, all the needles in the park."

At a court hearing on Thursday, a judge ordered Cortez held in custody as he waits for an official indictment. "The defendant is charged with a very serious offense. I believe he is a danger to the community. I believe the defendant’s detention is lawful and appropriate," the judge said.