Elmhurst Carjacking Yields Arrest: Cops

ELMHURST, IL — A 17-year-old youth from Lynwood was arrested in a carjacking that took place earlier this month on Elmhurst's north side, authorities said Wednesday.

About 8 p.m. June 8, the juvenile and another person met with the victim at Crestview Park in northeast Elmhurst in response to an ad for a car on OfferUp.com, according to a news release from the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office. The juvenile and the other person requested a test drive, police said.

During the test drive, the 17-year-old sat in the right rear passenger seat behind the victim, the release said. His accomplice was behind the wheel. After traveling a short distance, the youth pulled out a handgun, placed it on the victim's left temple and said, "Do not do anything stupid or I'll shoot," the news release said.

The two suspects patted down the victim and took his wallet, phone and keys before ordering him out of the car at Lake Street and Emroy Avenue, police said. Out of the vehicle, the victim flagged down a passing car and used the driver's phone to call 911, the release said. Police found the stolen car about 40 yards from the juvenile's Lynwood residence, police said.

"The allegations that this juvenile put a gun to the head of a man and threatened him with his life before stealing his car are completely outrageous and will not be tolerated in DuPage County, regardless of the accused’s age,” State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in the news release. “I remind the public that if you are selling something over the Internet, take precautions to protect yourself, such as always meeting during daylight hours in a populated public place that you are familiar with; never meet a prospective buyer alone and if something doesn’t feel right, walk away."

Elmhurst police said they encourage residents to make internet transactions in the police station lobby. The station is open and staffed around the clock and is accessible to the public.

The youth was charged with aggravated vehicular hijacking and two counts of armed robbery, all felonies.

The latest police news release did not indicate whether the second suspect has been identified.

In the release, Elmhurst Police Chief Michael Ruth credited evidence technicians and personnel with identifying and apprehending the 17-year-old.

Anyone with information about the carjacking is asked to call the Elmhurst Police Department at 630-530-3050.