NEW LENOX, Ill. – An Uber driver in New Lenox endured a harrowing ordeal this morning as he became the victim of a violent armed carjacking.
According to New Lenox Police, the incident took place around 6:15 a.m. in the 1600 block of Eagle Circle. The driver had arrived to pick up a customer and was waiting when a white Hyundai Accent sedan approached. Two individuals wearing masks emerged from the vehicle, brandishing handguns and forcefully demanding the driver’s car. They then removed him from the vehicle by force.
The situation escalated when one of the assailants struck the victim in the head with a firearm, resulting in injury. The perpetrators also made off with the victim’s wallet and cell phone.
In their attempt to flee, the carjackers encountered difficulties operating the stolen vehicle and eventually abandoned it a short distance from the scene.
Authorities revealed that the white Hyundai used by the assailants had been reported stolen from Chicago earlier in the week.
The injured victim received necessary medical treatment at a nearby hospital, and investigators later found his cell phone on Route 30, providing potential leads in the case.
Law enforcement officials have determined that there is no known connection between the Uber driver and the attackers, suggesting that the incident was a random act of violence. The New Lenox Police Department is urging anyone with pertinent information or possible Ring Camera footage to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation.
