18 years in federal prison for violent machine gun-fueled carjacking spree

A Chicago Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Federal Prison for Violent Carjacking Rampage

A Chicago man has been sentenced to 18 years in federal prison for a terrifying 2021 carjacking rampage in which he fired into an occupied vehicle, stole another car at gunpoint, and led police on a high-speed, crash-filled chase while armed with a machine gun.

Kiar Evans, 26, was convicted by a jury last year on four federal counts: carjacking, attempted carjacking, illegal possession of a firearm by a felon, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. This month, U.S. District Judge Martha M. Pacold handed down a 216-month sentence, followed by three years of supervised release.

The case stems from a violent afternoon on May 20, 2021, when Evans, fleeing a crash near Independence Boulevard and Congress Parkway, ran up to a Chevrolet Impala and fired two rounds through its front passenger window. The occupants narrowly escaped serious injury as shattered glass injured one person.

Prosecutors said Evans then turned his weapon—a Glock 19 illegally modified to fire fully automatic—on the driver of a nearby Nissan Altima, carjacked the vehicle at gunpoint, and fled.

His brief flight ended less than three miles away at Harrison Street and Ogden Avenue, where he crashed the Altima in a multi-vehicle pileup. Officers arrested him at the scene and recovered the Glock with an extended magazine, laser sight, and auto switch.

Evans’ spree was captured by surveillance cameras and witnessed by a Chicago police helicopter crew.

At the time of the crimes, Evans had recently been released on parole. Prosecutors noted his extensive criminal history dating back to age 15, including robbery and drug convictions. While in jail awaiting trial, he amassed 18 disciplinary violations—among them, possession of marijuana and crack cocaine.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paige Nutini and Jimmy Arce said Evans “did not hesitate to use that gun to intimidate his victims and force his will upon them” and “exhibited a total disregard for the safety and well-being of others.” They emphasized that the lack of serious injuries was “sheer luck.”

Although prosecutors acknowledged Evans’ traumatic upbringing, substance abuse, and the recent fatal shooting of his brother, they argued a significant sentence was necessary to protect the public.

Evans was also ordered to pay $4,642.64 in restitution to his victims.