Suspects crash into another vehicle while attempting to flee
By Dee Longfellow
Late Wednesday afternoon, we learned that eight people had been taken into custody by the Police after an incident of auto theft and by a hit-and-run accident.
According to Police Chief Michael Ruth, there were two separate pursuits that began around 3:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 20
Ruth said that several people were reportedly involved in the theft of a 2016 Infinity, which was parked in the driveway of a home on Grantley. The home’s resident confronted the suspects, who fled the scene in their own vehicle, striking another car at North Avenue & Emroy.
Police were able to stop the car involved in the chase and apprehend seven people at Second and Addison, following a brief foot chase. A short while later, the car stolen from the owner’s driveway was found at Des Plaines and Jackson Sts. in Forest Park. The driver of the stolen car had reportedly struck an apartment building and was taken into custody there.
Later in the week police reported that a stolen vehicle was subsequently recovered by the Park Police Department after one of the suspects, Jaamesha McChristine, 19, crashed into an apartment building. McChristine was charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, three counts of criminal damage and no valid driver’s license. Terrell Thomas, 19, was possession of stolen property, resisting arrest and obstructing identification. Tia Banks, 18, of was charged with possession of stolen property and resisting arrest. Kurtis Berry, 22; Robin Howard, 20; and Terrance Nelson, 18, were all charged with possession of stolen property. Two juveniles received juvenile petitions for possession of stolen property and resisting arrest.
Car theft is a very common problem in America. Criminals will use them as accessories to thefts, sell them for scrap, or take them for joyrides. Owners who do not have their cars locked securely in garages need to be extra diligent with their vehicles. Anyone who has misplaced their car keys should get a key or FOB key replacement Lexington of a different type for their vehicle as soon as possible. This is because criminals can scour neighbourhoods to find the corresponding car. In addition, cars are often stolen during house robberies, therefore maximising house security or leaving your keys in a secure and uncommon place may protect them. If the car uses keyless technology to unlock and start it, ensure it is contained in a protective pouch to prevent the wireless key from being accessed remotely.
Taking a few common-sense steps can reduce the chances of becoming a victim of car theft and one’s vehicle being used as an accessory to a crime.
