Two Charged with Carjacking, Kidnapping of Woman and Child in South Loop
Details of the Incident
A terrifying incident unfolded in the South Loop on Tuesday afternoon when a 29-year-old woman and her 1-year-old child were carjacked and kidnapped. The ordeal began around 2:30 p.m. when the woman was driving with the child in the backseat in the 400 block of West Harrison Street.
Attempted Carjacking
Two suspects, an 18-year-old man and a 14-year-old girl, jumped into the woman’s vehicle in an attempted carjacking. The suspects, who were armed, held the woman at gunpoint and demanded that she drive to a nearby location.
Kidnapping and Hijacking
The woman was forced to drive to the intersection of Harrison and Paulina streets, where the suspects ordered her and the child to get out of the vehicle. The suspects then fled the scene, leaving the woman and child shaken but unharmed.
Arrest and Charges
Less than two hours later, police located and arrested the 14-year-old girl and the 18-year-old man in the 400 block of East 35th Street. The 18-year-old man, identified as Taylen Byndum of Bolingbrook, is facing two counts of vehicular hijacking, armed kidnapping, and aggravated kidnapping. The 14-year-old girl is facing one count each of aggravated vehicular hijacking, aggravated kidnapping, and possession of a stolen vehicle.
Conclusion
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being aware of one’s surroundings and taking necessary precautions to ensure personal safety. The victims in this case were fortunate to have escaped without physical harm, but the psychological trauma of such an ordeal cannot be overstated.
FAQs
Q: What happened during the carjacking and kidnapping?
A: Two suspects, an 18-year-old man and a 14-year-old girl, jumped into the woman’s vehicle in an attempted carjacking. The suspects, who were armed, held the woman at gunpoint and demanded that she drive to a nearby location.
Q: Where did the incident occur?
A: The incident occurred in the 400 block of West Harrison Street in the South Loop.
Q: Were the victims injured?
A: No, the victims were not injured during the incident.
Q: Who is facing charges in connection with the incident?
A: The 18-year-old man, Taylen Byndum of Bolingbrook, is facing two counts of vehicular hijacking, armed kidnapping, and aggravated kidnapping. The 14-year-old girl is facing one count each of aggravated vehicular hijacking, aggravated kidnapping, and possession of a stolen vehicle.
