NAPERVILLE, Ill. – A Mundelein man on parole for second-degree murder is now facing charges for attempting to hijack a man’s car at gunpoint with a child inside.
Anton Cross, 24, appeared in Bond Court this morning, where bond was set at $200,000. The incident took place yesterday afternoon in Naperville, prompting a swift response from law enforcement.
According to the Naperville Police Department, the incident occurred on June 16, 2023, around 12:13 p.m. in the 1300 block of McDowell Road. A man was putting his grandson in his vehicle when Cross approached him, pretending to ask for directions. Moments later, Cross brandished a firearm and demanded the man’s keys, to which the victim bravely refused. Cross then fled the scene.
Approximately forty minutes later, a concerned citizen reported a suspicious man hiding in the bushes near Hinterlong Lane, about 1.6 miles away from the attempted carjacking. Police officers promptly responded and located Cross nearby. During a chase, a loaded Glock handgun fell from Cross’ pocket, leading to his apprehension.
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin condemned the shocking incident, stating, “The allegations that in the middle of the afternoon, Mr. Cross, who is currently on parole for second-degree murder, threatened to steal at gunpoint a man’s car while his grandson was inside the vehicle, are outrageous and will be met with the full force and effect of the law.”
Both Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres expressed their gratitude that no harm came to the victim or his grandson. They commended the swift response of the Naperville Police Department and the concerned citizen who reported the suspicious activity.
Cross is now facing charges of Attempt Aggravated Vehicular Hijacking, Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon by a Felon, and Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. His parole, set to expire on January 30, 2024, will likely be revoked due to these new charges.
The next court appearance for Cross is scheduled for July 10, 2023, in front of Judge Margaret O’Connell. It is essential to remember that these charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
