Tyrone Kirkman, a 20-year-old man on probation for a gun violation, found himself in trouble once again when he allegedly attacked, robbed, and attempted to carjack an Uber driver over the summer in Chicago. However, his hijacking attempt failed as he struggled to start the Tesla he was trying to steal.
According to prosecutors, Kirkman, along with an accomplice, targeted a 30-year-old rideshare driver in the 4900 block of West Race just three months after Kirkman had received probation for a gun charge. The incident took place around 1:15 a.m. on July 24 when the two men signaled the driver to pull forward as she arrived on the block. One of the men then opened her passenger door, took her phone and wallet, and demanded that she exit the vehicle. The other man proceeded to open the driver-side door and physically assaulted her until she complied.
Despite their efforts to drive away with the Tesla, Kirkman and his accomplice abandoned the car and fled the scene as they were unable to start the vehicle. Authorities were able to track the victim’s stolen phone to an address on West Erie Street. Following a thorough investigation, the victim positively identified Kirkman as one of the hijackers from a photo line-up. Kirkman was subsequently arrested as he exited the residence on Erie Street where the stolen phone had been traced to.
Judge David Kelly granted the state’s petition to keep Kirkman in custody pending trial. Kirkman faces charges of robbery, attempted vehicular hijacking, and unlawful restraint in connection with the incident.
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