A woman’s car was stolen in a bump-and-run on Wednesday afternoon near the intersection of Oak Park Avenue and Van Buren Street.
The thief struck the victim’s 2014 Ford Explorer from behind and then proceeded to drive off with the car after she got out of the driver’s seat to check for damage to the vehicle, according to the Oak Park Police Department.
The victim described the thief as African American in his 30’s, about 6-feet-tall, with a heavy build, wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt and grey pants. The striking vehicle was described as a grey, Scion hatchback with a spoiler, according to police.
Both cars were last seen traveling east on Jackson Boulevard. The stolen blue and green Ford Explorer bore Illinois license plate TJ 6667. No injuries were reported and no weapon was displayed, according to an official news release from the Village of Oak Park.
The community has been actively looking to engage more with local law enforcement given the recent spike in crime, particularly carjackings in Oak Park. As a result, the Oak Park Police Department created social media pages to better connect with citizens.
Anyone with more information about the identity of the suspect is encouraged to contact the Oak Park Police Department at 708-386-3800 or to provide an anonymous tip at oakpark.com/crimetip.
