Man gets 4 years for violent downtown robberies that left some victims unconscious – CWB Chicago
An Indiana man accused of participating in a string of violent robberies downtown and along the Mag Mile that left some victims unconscious has been given a four-year sentence. However, state law will cut his prison time in half.
It all started around 2:30 a.m. on July 6, 2025, when Michael Seawood, 25, of East Chicago, and at least one accomplice allegedly attacked a 52-year-old Loop resident in the 400 block of North Lower Michigan Avenue. The victim fell to the ground and lay motionless, suffering a broken jaw that required surgery to install plates, prosecutors said.
During the attack, a 28-year-old man visiting from Las Vegas attempted to intervene, prosecutors said. Seawood allegedly turned on the man, punching him and knocking him to the ground, where he also lay motionless. With both victims incapacitated, the robbers went through their pockets, taking cash and phones before leaving the area.
On August 1, 2025, Seawood and multiple accomplices allegedly struck again in the 100 block of East Illinois Street in Streeterville. A 29-year-old man who lives nearby was struck in the back of the head and knocked to the ground, prosecutors said. The robbers took his phone, wallet, and other belongings.
The next day, Seawood and two accomplices allegedly attacked and robbed two brothers, ages 19 and 22, near Michigan Avenue and Lake Street in the Loop. The brothers, who live nearby, were walking south on Michigan Avenue when Seawood allegedly punched the younger brother in the face, knocking him to the ground and briefly rendering him unconscious. After regaining consciousness, the younger brother saw Seawood and two other men going through his pockets and stealing his wallet, prosecutors said.
The older brother told police that one of the offenders also hit him and knocked him to the ground, though he could not identify who struck him. Once he was down, Seawood and the others allegedly went through his pockets, taking his phone, cash, and cards.
Three Chicago police officers subsequently recognized Seawood as one of the robbers, prosecutors said.
Court records show Seawood pleaded guilty before Judge Ursula Walowski to three counts of robbery, two counts of aggravated battery in a public place, and one count of aggravated battery causing great bodily harm. Walowski imposed four-year sentences on each count, to be served concurrently. He is scheduled to be paroled on October 6, 2027.
