CHICAGO — A 38-year-old man has been arrested and charged in a disturbing case involving the kidnapping of a child during a carjacking in the city’s South Side, according to Chicago police.
Jeremy Ochoa, a resident of the 3600 block of South Parnell Avenue, faces two felony charges stemming from the July 4th incident: aggravated vehicular hijacking involving a passenger under 16, and aggravated kidnapping of a child under 13 with intellectual disabilities, officials confirmed.
Child Was in the Vehicle During Hijacking
The alarming crime unfolded during a vehicular hijacking where a young child was reportedly inside the vehicle when it was stolen. Authorities have not yet disclosed the child’s condition, but officials say this case reflects a broader trend of rising vehicular crime involving vulnerable victims.
The hijacking was investigated by the Chicago Police Department’s Vehicular Hijacking Task Force, which ultimately led to Ochoa’s arrest. He was taken into custody without incident, and detectives say evidence linked him to the crime.
Court Hearing Set Following Felony Charges
Ochoa is scheduled to appear in court for a detention hearing today, July 5, 2025, at 2600 S. California Avenue, according to police.
In a formal statement, CPD highlighted the severity of the charges, citing both the presence of a minor during the hijacking and the victim’s reported intellectual disability as “aggravating factors” that elevated the charges to felonies. Chicago Police press release outlines the exact counts.
Growing Concern Over Violent Carjackings
The incident has fueled ongoing concerns over the increase in violent carjackings across Chicago, particularly those involving children or elderly passengers.
In recent years, city officials have launched task forces and public awareness campaigns to address the problem. Still, police report a surge in carjacking cases with dangerous escalation, including weapons, assaults, and now, kidnappings.
Community groups and local aldermen have also raised concerns about public safety and called for additional resources to combat vehicular crimes — especially those putting vulnerable residents at risk.
Have you or someone you know been impacted by a carjacking in Chicago? Share your experience in the comments at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com — your voice matters in shaping local safety priorities.
