Smartphone technology, license plate reader and helicopter help Chicago police arrest suspects after car reported stolen at gunpoint in Mayfair

by BRIAN NADIG

Smartphone tracking technology, along with a roadway license plate reader and a police helicopter, all played a role in the recent arrest of two suspects accused of allegedly carjacking a 21-year-old man at gunpoint after he pulled up in front of a home in the 4500 block of North Kenton Avenue in Mayfair on Chicago’s Northwest Side.

The driver of a 2025 Volkswagen Jetta reported that an assailant, identified in court proceedings as a 15-year-old defendant, held a black and silver gun as he opened the driver’s side door and grabbed the driver’s arm, forcing him out of the car, according to a detention hearing proffer filed by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office.

The defendant reportedly then held the gun to the driver’s neck, taking his iPhone and wallet, while a second suspect, who reportedly was wearing a black ski mask, appeared from behind the vehicle and got into the passenger seat, according to the proffer. The suspects then reportedly drove away in the Jetta, the proffer stated.

At about this time a woman exited the home and called 911, and she was able to track the stolen phone on her phone, sharing that information with police, according to the proffer.

The Jetta was tracked to the Montrose Avenue and the I-94 Expressway, but the tracking of the car’s location ended until a license plate reader later got a hit, allowing for a Cook County helicopter to start maintaining air reconnaissance of the vehicle, starting at about 11:25 p.m. at 21st and Loomis streets, according to the proffer.

The vehicle eventually crashed, and both occupants fled on foot, but they were each arrested at about 11:40 p.m. in the 2900 block of West Adams Street, according to the proffer.

A black and silver firearm and the reported stolen phone allegedly were recovered next to where the teenage suspect was arrested, the proffer stated. The other suspect was wearing a tan hoodie and a black ski mask at the time of his arrest, the proffer stated.

The older suspect reportedly told police that he had been with the other suspect since 6 p.m. and had known him for 5 years but that he knew nothing about the reported stolen vehicle, according to the proffer.

The 15-year-old suspect was charged as a juvenile with aggravated vehicular hijacking, aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon for someone under age 21, criminal trespass to a vehicle and a warrant violation, according to police.

The other suspect, who was identified by Chicago police as Quentin L. Williams, age 21, of the 8200 block of South South Shore Drive, was charged with aggravated vehicular hijacking in connection with the incident, police said.

Police officials have said in recent years that technology, such as a license plate reader, plays a larger role in looking for suspects in order to avoid high-speed car pursuits.

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