Police Investigate Two North Side Carjackings Thursday Night
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Two carjackings were reported overnight in Chicago, bringing the total for this week to 10.
A 30-year-old woman told police three men with a gun forced her out of her Toyota Camry near Armitage and Howe around 10 p.m.
A Lincoln Park neighbor says he heard that woman screaming and ran outside to help.
"We met with her and comforted her. Fortunately, she was physically alright but of course she was shaken when someone puts a gun to your head and says get out of the car."
Less than two hours later, two armed men forced a man to the ground near Orleans and Chestnut. The victim said the robbers rummaged through his pockets, taking his cash, cell phone, and Subaru Forester in a matter of a minute.
The victim, who asked to be identified only as Daniel, said he told himself to be careful in the dark as he was leaving work and walking to his Subaru around midnight. Suddenly his fears came true.
"Two guys came up on me, and one of them holding a handgun; pointed at me, and yelled at me to get down, so I had to get down, and they were rumbling through my pockets. So I threw my money at them," he said.
At least 10 carjackings have been reported in Chicago this week. Chicago Police Supt. Eddie Johnson said the trend is "disturbing" and said most, if not all, of the robbers were underage.
Carjackings have surged this year in Chicago, with more than 700 so far. Police have said part of the problem is many of the suspects are juveniles who know they won't face serious punishment. Carjackings also can result in copycats, when suspects tell others how easy it is to commit the crime.
