CHICAGO — A 19-year-old man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for a failed carjacking in which the victim pulled a gun and detained him until police arrived, according to court records and prosecutors.
The carjacking attempt occurred in the Washington Heights neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side and ended with the young suspect pinned to the ground by his would-be victim.
Incident Began With Armed Confrontation at Driver’s Window
The attempted hijacking happened around 6:28 a.m. on January 2, 2024, in the 9400 block of South Laflin Street. According to Chicago police, the victim — a 39-year-old man — was sitting in his 2021 Mazda CX-9 when the suspect, identified as Darrius Berry, approached the driver’s side window with a firearm.
Berry allegedly pointed the gun at the victim and said, “Please give me the keys. I need your car. I’m sorry, sir… Go in the house.”
The victim complied initially, handing over the keys and returning inside his home.
Victim Turned the Tables With His Own Firearm
Once inside, the man retrieved his own legally-owned firearm and went back outside. Berry was still inside the vehicle, now in the driver’s seat with the original firearm resting on the passenger seat.
The victim approached the vehicle, opened the driver’s door, and told Berry, “If you reach for it, I’ll blow your head off.” He then physically pulled Berry out of the car and held him at gunpoint on the ground until police arrived.
Police Recovered Firearm Later Found to Be Stolen
Officers took Berry into custody and recovered the firearm allegedly used in the carjacking. A CPD report later revealed the gun had been reported stolen from a vehicle near West 90th Street about a month earlier.
The victim told police that during the brief encounter, he asked Berry if anyone else was involved. Berry reportedly replied, “He’s around the corner,” though no additional suspects were found.
Judge Issues Sentence, but Release Could Come Sooner
Berry pleaded guilty to one count of vehicular hijacking and was sentenced this week by Judge Thomas Hennelly to 10 years in prison.
However, under Illinois law, he will be eligible for release in just over three years due to sentence credits and the state’s 50% reduction policy for eligible inmates.
Have You Experienced a Carjacking or Attempted Theft in Your Neighborhood?
Incidents like this highlight both the risks drivers face and the importance of community awareness. If you’ve experienced or witnessed a carjacking or car theft in your area, share your story with us at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com — your report may help others stay alert and safer on the road.
