18-Year-Old Man Accused of Kidnapping and Robbing Sex Worker at Gunpoint
Prosecutors have charged an 18-year-old man named Jostin Lopez Chavez with kidnapping and robbing a sex worker at gunpoint on the Northwest Side. The incident occurred on July 20 in the 3900 block of West Lawrence, where Lopez Chavez allegedly abducted the 40-year-old victim who he had previously hired for services.
According to the victim, she had interacted with Lopez Chavez on multiple occasions in the past, both as a client who paid for her services and as a client of her colleagues. The familiarity between them led her to approach his blue sedan that night. However, as she got closer, Lopez Chavez pulled out a gun, forced her into the car, and drove to a nearby alley behind a restaurant.
While parked, Lopez Chavez demanded all the money she had. The victim handed over $35 from her bra, but when he saw she still had a credit card and ID, he threatened her at gunpoint to give up those items as well. Surveillance footage captured the car arriving at the alley, parking, and leaving shortly after, with the victim visible in the passenger seat.
Despite driving away with the victim still in the car, Lopez Chavez stopped at a sign near the alley exit, giving the victim an opportunity to escape when she saw another vehicle behind them. She ran off and called the police, leading to Lopez Chavez’s arrest on July 27.
One week later, on July 27, the victim encountered Lopez Chavez again on Lawrence Avenue. This time, he allegedly pointed the same gun at her when she called out to him. The victim immediately contacted the police, who found Lopez Chavez nearby and discovered a loaded Glock and spent shell casings in his car.
Lopez Chavez now faces charges of armed robbery, armed kidnapping, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Despite him having no prior arrests, Judge James Costello granted the prosecutors’ request to detain him ahead of trial.
The victim was able to identify Lopez Chavez by name, referencing a Zelle transaction from May 5. Additionally, license plate reader data placed Lopez Chavez’s vehicle in the area at the time of the abduction. The case continues to unfold as Lopez Chavez remains in custody.
