A 15-year-old boy is in custody after Chicago police say he took part in a violent Halloween carjacking that left a South Side father rattled and his young daughter looking on. Investigators identified the teen as a suspect in the Oct. 31 Bridgeport attack, which involved an assault and the theft of the victim’s vehicle. The arrest comes nearly three weeks after the incident, which stirred neighborhood anger and helped spur a police tip-line reward.
Arrest and charges
According to FOX 32 Chicago, officers made the arrest in the 5100 block of South Wentworth Avenue in the Fuller Park neighborhood. The teen is facing two felony counts, armed robbery with a firearm and aggravated vehicular hijacking with a firearm, along with a misdemeanor battery charge. Chicago police told the outlet they have identified him as one of the suspects, and said the investigation is still very much active.
Video shows attack before trick-or-treating
Surveillance footage from Oct. 31 shows a man and his young daughter stepping out of a vehicle when several suspects close in, with one seen holding a gun, NBC Chicago reported. The victim, identified in local coverage as a 42-year-old man, said he was pistol-whipped and robbed of his phone, wallet, and car while his daughter watched the attack unfold. Police later found the vehicle several miles away, near South Maplewood Avenue and West Jackson Boulevard, according to the station.
Legal process ahead
Per FOX 32 Chicago, investigators are still handling the juvenile’s case while prosecutors decide whether the charges will remain in juvenile court or be moved. At the time of that report, police had not yet posted court dates or additional filings. Authorities say they are continuing to search for other suspects and gather evidence as the case moves forward.
Community response and tips
Neighbors marched in Bridgeport after the video began circulating, calling for stepped-up patrols and stronger safety measures, according to NBC Chicago. Cook County Crime Stoppers offered a reward for information leading to arrests, and police urged anyone with details to speak up. Officials ask that anyone with information call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-535-STOP or submit an anonymous tip online to help investigators with the ongoing probe.
