According to reports, the police found and arrested a hitchhiker that they found hiding in a homeowner’s shed after he allegedly tried to hijack two cars.
Early in the morning on April 7, a man from Cahokia Heights, Illinois, was reportedly hitchhiking in Fairview Heights.
Someone saw the man and decided to offer him a ride. When he got into the vehicle, the hitchhiker allegedly tried to hijack the car, but the driver overpowered him.
With the man already in the passenger seat, the driver rushed to the nearest police station and reported the situation. When they went outside to investigate, the suspect was gone.
It was reported that shortly after, the man made his way to a local Circle K store. He reportedly approached a customer who was putting gas in their car. The owner tried to stop the man, but he got into the vehicle and drove away.
An officer passing the convenience market reported that they saw the dispute as it was taking place.
Just after 3:00 AM, someone called to report a possible burglary in progress.
The police arrived and looked around the property, and they discovered a man hiding in the shed in the yard. They suspected he was the perpetrator of both attempted carjackings.
It was reported that they found the car the suspect allegedly stole from the person at the gas pump, and it had been crashed and abandoned.
The suspect was taken into custody and booked into the St. Clair County Jail. He is expected to face charges of vehicular hijacking, aggravated unlawful possession of a stolen motor vehicle, attempted vehicular hijacking, and aggravated battery in a public place. He is being held in lieu of a $150,000 bond.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.