Man Charged with Robbing and Carjacking Rideshare Driver
CHICAGO — A man has been charged with robbing and carjacking a rideshare driver after investigators discovered that his Uber account was used to order the victim’s ride, according to court records.
The incident occurred in a series of robberies targeting rideshare and food service delivery drivers in the same neighborhood during late September and early October.
Jamari Woods, 20, who was already on probation for possessing a stolen motor vehicle, along with three accomplices, lured a 24-year-old Uber driver to the 4400 block of West Maypole around 10 p.m. on September 30, officials said.
During the robbery, at least one of the men displayed a gun and violently removed the victim from his 2016 Audi A6.
Surveillance video from the pickup location aided detectives in their investigation. Additionally, the breakthrough came when they discovered that Woods’ Uber account was used to orchestrate the carjacking, prosecutors alleged.
Judge Caroline Glennon-Goodman approved a state request to detain Woods until trial. He is facing charges of aggravated vehicular hijacking and armed robbery.
Earlier this month, prosecutors also charged another man, Amarion Pope, in connection with the carjacking. Pope, 20, was reportedly on juvenile parole, adult parole, and pretrial release at the time of the incident.
It is important to note that neither Pope nor Woods are believed to be involved in seven similar robberies that were linked to each other in a community alert released last month.
If you appreciate original reporting like this, consider supporting our work by clicking here.
