Chicago police say Michael Nash admitted he was at the scene of a violent robbery in Woodlawn earlier this month, claiming he was there as a neighborhood “peacekeeper.” But CPD says he was actually one of the robbers — and in a twist far from peaceful, he twice used phone calls from the police station to try to intimidate the victim and a witness, according to prosecutors.
The robbery happened on November 8 around 3:27 p.m. Prosecutors said the victim had just bought cigarettes and other items from a corner store when he noticed two men, including Nash, watching him. As he headed home to the 6400 block of South Martin Luther King Drive, he heard one of the men ask for forty dollars.
Prosecutors said the victim buzzed his roommate to let him into their building, but the roommate heard an argument outside and went to check. That’s when he allegedly saw Nash, 33, with a heavy object resembling a gun sticking out of his hoodie while threatening to kill the victim.
Nash then grabbed the victim, reached into his pocket, and took about $680 and a pack of cigarillos, while his accomplice physically attacked the man, prosecutors said. The victim was taken to the University of Chicago Hospital with a swollen eye, a concussion, and other injuries.
Police arrived within minutes, and one of the officers recognized Nash — someone he had encountered many times — leaving the area.
CPD later arrested Nash after an officer monitoring a surveillance camera spotted him on the street and sent police to take him into custody, according to a report.
The report also said Nash told arresting officers he would have someone “blow down” the cops — a phrase they interpreted as meaning someone would shoot or kill them.
At the station, things escalated further. Police said Nash used his first phone call to instruct the person on the line to contact someone he called “Little Tony” and have him “deal with” the victim and the roommate. Officers immediately ended the call.
During his second call, police said Nash again tried to arrange retaliation, telling the person on the line they needed to “get the community together” to find those “saying these things about him.” Officers cut that call short as well.
After being advised of his Miranda rights, Nash insisted he was only involved as a community “peacekeeper.” But police say they had already heard him direct others to silence the victim and the roommate.
Despite his efforts, both men cooperated fully. The victim later identified Nash in a photo lineup as the person who punched him and stole his money, prosecutors said.
Court records show Nash has a lengthy felony history, including:
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Two years for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon (2024)
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Eight years for being a felon in possession of a firearm (2019)
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Three years for the same offense (2014)
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One year for possession of a controlled substance (2012)
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Three years for attempted robbery (2008)
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Three years for possessing a stolen motor vehicle (2007)
Judge Susana Ortiz ordered Nash held on a robbery charge.