March 28, 2024
Local News

Chicago man hijacked victim's vehicle at Mokena gas station: cops

A Chicago man was back in jail after he stole a man’s car, wallet and cellphone at Gas N Wash in Mokena, police said.

Tyron Harris, 23, was taken to the Will County jail on charges alleging he threatened a man while armed with a firearm and then stole the man’s wallet, cellphone and Honda Odyssey, according to court records.

He was released from jail on July 31 after his brother posted 10% of his $25,000 bond in a case where he’s charged with possessing a stolen Toyota RAV4, possessing alprazolam, which is a controlled substance, and obstructing an officer, court records show.

Mokena Police Chief Steven Vaccaro said the victim in the vehicle hijacking case was pumping fuel for his car at Gas N Wash, 8810 W. 191st St., when he went inside the store to purchase a few items and was approached by Harris after he left the store.

Harris displayed a firearm and told the victim to hand over his car keys, phone and wallet, Vaccaro said.

Harris fled the scene in the victim’s car, he said.

Mokena police were able to identify Harris on the same day of the incident with assistance from the New Lenox police, Vaccaro said. Through further investigation, the police were able to secure an arrest warrant for Harris, he said.

Judge Vincent Cornelius signed a warrant for Harris' arrest on Sept. 22, court records show. The warrant had a $250,000 bond.

Harris was arrested on Sept. 23 in Gary, Indiana, on an unrelated case, he said.

Harris has been charged with aggravated vehicular hijacking, armed robbery, aggravated robbery, unlawful possession of a stolen motor vehicle, unlawful use of a weapon and identity theft.

The criminal complaint filed against Harris alleged he used the victim’s credit cards to fraudulently obtain goods at the Citgo gas station, 12932 Ashland Avenue, Blue Island, and Amoco gas station, 3144 147th St., Posen.

Harris was previously convicted of retail theft in McHenry County, the criminal complaint said.

Harris is being held at the jail on a $420,000 bond. He will need to post $42,000 for his release.

Felix Sarver

Felix Sarver

Felix Sarver covers crime and courts for The Herald-News