Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Lincoln Park Carjacking
CHICAGO — Nicholas Kaehler, described as a “very distinct looking individual,” has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for his involvement in a carjacking incident that took place in Lincoln Park last year.
Kaehler, who celebrated his 23rd birthday the day before, pleaded guilty to one count of vehicular hijacking before Judge Peggy Chiampas.
The carjacking occurred on the evening of March 29, 2023, when Kaehler and two accomplices approached a 23-year-old man stopped in traffic in the 2300 block of North Lincoln. Kaehler brandished a revolver and demanded the victim’s car, which he then drove away in with one of the other hijackers as a passenger.
Despite one of the hijackers wearing a ski mask, the victim was able to identify Kaehler by his distinctive facial tattoos, which were not covered. Chicago Police officers used license plate readers to track the stolen car on Lake Shore Drive and directed patrol officers to its location.
After a brief chase, Kaehler stopped the vehicle on South Lake Shore Drive and fled into Hyde Park with the passenger. He was apprehended shortly after, still wearing the ski mask but with his facial tattoos exposed.
During his initial court appearance, Judge Barbara Dawkins remarked on Kaehler’s unique appearance, noting that even with a COVID mask on, he stood out as a “very distinct looking individual.”
Unless there are any issues during his time in prison, Kaehler is expected to be released in the spring of 2029, serving half of his 12-year sentence.
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