On September 23, 2021, at approximately 5:00 p.m., officers from the Fairview Heights Police Department were dispatched to the 400 block of Anita in reference to a motor vehicle theft complaint. Prior to officers arriving on scene, a call was received for a vehicular hijacking near the intersection of North Illinois and Frank Scott Parkway.

Officers responded where they contacted a victim who had been stopped in traffic near this intersection. While sitting in her vehicle, the driver of the vehicle behind her approached her car, and forcefully pulled her out of her car. The suspect then left the scene in this victim’s vehicle. The victim sustained minor injuries and did not require medical attention on scene.

Officers from a neighboring agency quickly located the suspect vehicle travelling westbound on St. Clair Avenue. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, it struck the center median and came to a stop. A 17-year-old juvenile, was taken into custody without incident.  No injuries were reported in the accident.

An investigation conducted by the Fairview Heights Police Department and the Metro East Auto Theft Task Force determined this 17-year-old subject is suspected of stealing the vehicle of a family member from the 400 block of Anita. Within minutes of this theft, the suspect then committed the vehicular hijacking near the intersection of North Illinois and Frank Scott Parkway, abandoning the original stolen car.

The juvenile suspect is currently being held at the St. Clair County Detention Center until the case is reviewed by the St. Clair County States Attorney’s Office. The Fairview Heights Police Department and Metro East Auto Theft Task Force continue to investigate the incident.

Fairview Heights Police Department