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Majority Leader Lightford’s carjacking experience

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Illinois state Sen. Kimberly Lightford and her husband were carjacked Tuesday night in suburban Broadview, police said.

No one was hurt, but at least one of the suspects fired gunshots at Lightford’s husband, according to police.

Lightford, a Democrat from Maywood, and her husband were in a black Mercedes SUV and were in the near west suburb to drop off a friend, according to Broadview police Chief Thomas Mills.

Three masked individuals in a Dodge Durango SUV blocked the couple’s Mercedes in the 2000 block of South 20th Avenue about 9:45 p.m. The suspects ordered Lightford and her husband, who was driving, out of the Mercedes, said Mills.

* Next day…

“I begged them not to shoot my husband, not to shoot me,” Lightford told reporters Thursday morning at a Christmas present giveaway for children in Proviso Township. “They took everything off me that I had of value.”

Lightford said her husband gave the carjackers the keys to the car.

“They had separated me and my husband,” she said on WGN-TV. “After they got the guns off of us, my husband told me to run. I ran, reluctantly, because I didn’t want to leave him there. And it was a scary run because now shots are being fired. I thought for sure they were going to shoot me.”

Lightford said her husband is a concealed-carry permit holder. He fired at the carjackers, she said.

* Also…

At an event on Thursday, Lightford, a Maywood Democrat who has been in the state legislature since 1998, said she was “doing much better today” and that she “didn’t realize what a traumatic event could do in an adult.”

* Meanwhile, Sun-Times crime reporter Frank Main recently interviewed a West Side, 30-something carjacker…

Q. To your knowledge, is this generally a random crime? Or is there a lot of planning that goes into this?

A. Mostly a random crime.

Q. Is there somebody that everybody knows in a particular neighborhood that you can sell [stolen car parts to]?

A. Through social media, you’ll hear where people want car parts. People know that’s where to take the cars.

* More..

Q. What’s your impression of [Cook County State’s Attorney] Kim Foxx and whether [prosecutors] are lenient or tough on this crime?

A. They’re not playing on carjackings. They are not being lenient on this crime.

Q. So it sounds to me that you’re saying you don’t believe that this giant increase in carjackings has to do [with] prosecutors or police going easy on carjackers or that the criminal justice system is going easy on people who commit these crimes. Is that right?

A. True.

* Maya Dukmasova at the Chicago Reader pointed to her own research earlier this year to back up this claim…

When it comes to the felony carjacking charges—for which, according to [Chief of Detectives Brendan] Deenihan’s presentation, only 178 people were arrested [in 2020] —the State’s Attorney’s Office seems to be functioning as expected. In 2020, according to the office, felony carjacking charges for adults were approved 97 percent of the time, and resulted in convictions 93 percent of the time. For juveniles, the State’s Attorney’s Office approved charges 89 percent of the time and convictions resulted in 90 percent of cases.

* But while the carjacker claims that fast, expensive vehicles are mainly targeted, Dukmasova found that the numbers show otherwise…

Though there’s been much speculation about the types of cars being targeted—in particular popular Dodge Chargers and Challengers because of anecdotal reports that they can be hacked—CPD’s data showed that most often carjacked cars are the most common economy vehicle makes: Toyota, Ford, Nissan, Honda, and Chevrolet.

* In more recent news…

A Cook County judge was carjacked at gunpoint along with her 3-year-old son late Thursday in Humboldt Park.

Judge Anna Loftus was robbed of her 2018 Subaru Crosstrek, her purse and a cellphone, according to a memo shared with 14th District Chicago police officers. No one was physically hurt.

The toddler was in the back seat as the 52-year-old pulled the vehicle into a residential garage about 11:30 p.m., according to police news affairs.

That’s when two males walked up, and one of them, carrying a gun, ordered her and the boy out of the car.

* Some historical perspective from WBBM…

As much as people may complain about lawlessness today, 1974 remains Chicago’s official benchmark for the most murders in an annual period.

This is not to be confused with “murder rate,” a calculation comparing crime data with a city’s population. Chicago’s worst “per capita” homicide year was 1992, when 940 people were slain but when the city had 600,000 fewer residents. The murder rate then was 34 victims per 100,000 people.

If you are talking about sheer volume of homicides, 1974 is it.

“More killings here than Belfast,” a pessimistic Sun-Times editorial headline read in late December, after police officer Harl Gene Meister was killed in a robbery attempt that left his 8-year-old son seriously wounded. Meister was off-duty and doing some last-minute Christmas shopping when he and the boy were confronted by a group of juveniles in a store parking lot on the Southwest Side. […]

Officials of the day blamed the usual suspects for so many killings: easy access to firearms, including the cheap but lethal “Saturday Night Special,” and a court system that critics said treated offenders too leniently.

James Rochford, Chicago’s $34,500-a-year police superintendent, complained that thousands of suspects his officers arrested in the past year were out on bond for similar crimes. He said the average hardened offender was wise to this revolving-door system.

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 12:12 pm

Comments

These carjackings have gotten completely out of hand, and SA Foxx doesn’t appear to have either the ability or the inclination to do anything about it. Admittedly, it is tough when a large percentage of the perps are juveniles and the judiciary works mostly as a revolving door, but it’s unwise to see the correlation between Foxx’s feather’s touch theory of prosecution and the increase in violent crime and think it spurious.

Comment by AlfondoGonz Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 12:17 pm
I’m surprised so few follow up Q’s to the Lightford incident. Why were Senate plates on a loaner from a dealership? Who shot first? How many shots were fired? Did the senator’s husband shoot after /before the truck was taken? Was it in defense of property, as the narrative suggests the Senator was running from the scene. I’m not suggesting anything other than several relevant questions have been left unasked.

Comment by Miso Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 12:28 pm
@AlfondoGonz -

Did you even bother to read the entirety of this post?

“felony carjacking charges for adults were approved 97 percent of the time, and resulted in convictions 93 percent of the time. For juveniles, the State’s Attorney’s Office approved charges 89 percent of the time and convictions resulted in 90 percent of cases. ”

Exactly what more is it that you would like the State’s Attorney’s Office to do?

Comment by JoanP Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 12:39 pm
===Did you even bother to read the entirety of this post?===

Headline to comment section in one second. lol

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 12:45 pm
Is the problem one of finding and apprehending the carjackers? Cars made since the mid-2010s keep track of locations traveled by the vehicle. Is it time for the L-Jack system to make a comeback (assuming that Lo-Jack is still around)?

Comment by Ares Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 12:48 pm
=== Is it time for the L-Jack system to make a comeback===

Click the link and read the Sun-Times article.

“On the dark web you can buy your own key fob and your own key fob computer. You can go under the seat to the LoJack [a stolen vehicle recovery system], plug into the system whether by chip or USB insert and the computer automatically hacks into their system, disengages the LoJack and changes the whole system to the brand-new key fob that you got off the dark web. Therefore, the LoJack is now terminated and the system to that car is now switched over to the new key fob.”

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 12:50 pm
Good reporting on the charge rate. I had no idea based on what’s being said versus what is true

Comment by Stormsw7706 Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 12:50 pm
It seems the approval of charges and conviction numbers — if true — suggest SA is serious. Now can we ask how many made bail and time between charges and trial? Frank Main’s Q & A suggests those focused on “bail reform” might want to delist carjacking from their efforts

Comment by Annonin' Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 12:52 pm
Not sure why my suggestion that SA Foxx take probation off the table for Class X offenses, such as Agg. Vehic. Hiajck, was removed…but that is what I would like to see the CCSAO do.

Comment by AlfondoGonz Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 12:53 pm
Part of the problem is that it is easy. You can get a car and sell it fast. If it was harder to sell the stolen car then maybe things would be different. Cars and car parts are difficult to find and this is just an easy crime with a high payoff.

Comment by Publius Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 12:54 pm
Good thing Senator Lightford’s husband isn’t a police officer

So strange that Senator Lightford voted against conceal and carry in 2013

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/off-duty-chicago-officer-faces-felony-charge-after-allegedly-shooting-at-carjackers/2666100/%3famp

Comment by Lucky Pierre Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 12:59 pm
= my suggestion that SA Foxx take probation off the table for Class X offenses, such as Agg. Vehic. Hiajck, was removed =

Maybe because:
1. The GA determines the sentences available for an offense, not the State’s Attorney’s Office

2. Class X felonies are not probationable, so there’s nothing to “take off the table”. They carry a mandatory minimum 6-year prison sentence.

Comment by JoanP Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 1:10 pm
=== Good thing Senator Lightford’s husband isn’t a police officer

So strange that Senator Lightford voted against conceal and carry in 2013===

So if Lightford voted for conceal carry the carjacking against her wouldn’t have occurred?

You’re starting 2022 at the bottom of your game. Well done.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 1:16 pm
JoanP

I should have been more specific. Class X felonies are probation eligible for juveniles. Take probation off the table there. And Vehic Hijack (not aggravated) is a Class 1, probation eligible.

Comment by AlfondoGonz Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 1:17 pm
The Frank Main interview was super interesting, but as pointed out, heavy on anecdotal evidence. Main did a much more data driven report a few months ago.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/chicago.suntimes.com/platform/amp/2021/10/8/22704266/carjackings-carjacking-crisis-chicago-cook-county-sheriff-tom-dart-toyota-camry-sunday-worst-day

A key sentence:

“Last year, police arrested people for vehicle hijacking in about 11% of the carjackings in Chicago, and prosecutors approved vehicle hijacking charges in fewer than half of those cases, according to a University of Chicago Crime Lab report.”

The low arrest rate really, really sticks out. And that U of C Crime Lab data doesn’t come close to aligning with the State’s Atty conviction rate in the Reader story cited above — I’m guessing that’s because a lot of those convictions claimed by the SA are really plea deals in which the suspect takes a “possession of a stolen vehicle” rap, which is probationable.

Comment by Roman Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 1:23 pm
Maybe the State’s Attorney’s office can explain why an off duty police officer is charged with a felony and Senator Lightford’s husband is not for the same exact situation?

Pointing out the hypocrisy of an elected official whose husband has a conceal and carry license but Senator Lightford does not support this law is interesting to say the least.

Strange you don’t agree

Comment by Lucky Pierre Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 1:24 pm
“an off duty police officer is charged with a felony… for the same exact situation”

Wrong as usual.

“According to prosecutors, none of the suspects made any threats toward the off-duty officer or her husband, and none displayed a gun.”

https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/off-duty-chicago-police-officer-charged-for-firing-at-carjackers-who-stole-suv-court-docs/2665071/

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 1:28 pm
===doesn’t come close to aligning with the State’s Atty conviction rate===

Read that Reader story. Often, they go pick up friends after the crime and then everyone is busted.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 1:29 pm
===Pointing out the hypocrisy===

Alternative facts don’t count.

Still confused how one is protected from crimes as long as the vote certain ways on bills bit. Do legislators let the offenders know or…

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 1:31 pm
So strange that Senator Lightford voted against conceal and carry in 2013

vote aside; this unfortunate situation illustrates the utility of getting trained and licensed in the safe/leagal use of a firearm.

Comment by Donnie Elgin Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 1:40 pm
Bottom line is that most serious, violent crimes DO NOT result in someone being arrested, but most of those that do get arrested, result in the state’s attorney’s office approving charges and getting a conviction. Our current sentencing structures in Illinois for murder, agg. battery with a firearm, armed robbery, agg. vehicular hijacking are already severe. They all carry mandatory prison sentences and murder & agg. battery w/firearm are also subject to truth-in-sentencing. Do cases result in plea bargaining–of course, in around 90%-95% of all the felony cases, and that has always been the case (regardless of the crime rates, regardless of COVID, regardless of the state’s attorney’s political party, and regardless of which county in the state you are in). We’ve learned the quick and easy response by getting tougher on crime through enforcement/prosecution/sentencing policies does not address the complex reasons for crime, but we always come back to wanting the easy solution (that does not exist).

Comment by RamblerFan Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 1:44 pm
@AlfondoGonz -

Again, your beef is with the legislature.

Comment by JoanP Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 1:45 pm
It’s not surprising that after two years of economic fallout, a rise of petty, economic-based crimes occur (stealing items to be sold, rather than used).

I would like to see more from the investigations side looking into how the car parts are being sold and who is sending out requests for the parts to begin with.

Comment by NIU Grad Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 1:54 pm
The laws in this state make it very difficult to prosecute carjackings unless you catch them in the act or very soon after. Finding someone driving a stolen vehicle that was carjacked usually leads to possession of a stolen vehicle charges or criminal trespass of vehicle and even that can be difficult to prove. That said, the state’s attorney and the police need to coordinate to aggressively charge those that are causing the vast majority of the issues in the city. If a gang member that is rumored to be violent is found driving a stolen car, prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law. Discretion for a prosecutor works both ways.

Comment by Chicagonk Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 1:54 pm
I’d have to do some digging, but I’m pretty sure most social science research suggests that the likelihood of being caught is more of a deterrent than the severity of the punishment.

Given this fact and the 11% arrest rate by police and the over 90% acceptance and conviction rates by the SA it really makes you wonder why the SA gets all of the criticism…

Comment by JJJJJJJJJJ Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 2:18 pm
Might there be an argument for concurrent Federal prosecution of carjackings (as done for drugs and guns held be felons), assuming that Federal laws are already on the books?

Comment by Ares Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 2:20 pm
===most social science research suggests that the likelihood of being caught is more of a deterrent===

Yep.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 2:22 pm
gang violence is not driven by rational calculations and logical assumptions. Time and time again we witness horrifically violent crimes that do not have a corresponding profit. Random killings unattached to burglary, or in the case of car jacking a, stealing valuable vehicles, and jeopardizing decades behind bars for $1,000 of parts (the vehicles cannot be sold whole due to VIn tracking unless imported overseas). Gangs must be dealt with through direct action, like organized crime. Community prevention. strategies (soft strategies) are not very effective.

Comment by Merica Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 2:40 pm
=James Rochford, Chicago’s $34,500-a-year police superintendent, complained that thousands of suspects his officers arrested in the past year were out on bond for similar crimes. He said the average hardened offender was wise to this revolving-door system.=

Seems to sum up a lot of the problem and the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois refuse to address it in any serious way. Indeed, just the opposite.

So it will continue and probably get worse.

Comment by Unconventional wisdom Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 2:45 pm
@Merica

@Unconventional wisdom

Could you post the links that back these up? Curious in doing some more reading about it.

Comment by JJJJJJJJJJ Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 3:07 pm
===Could you post the links===

LOL

You cannot hyperlink to the voices in someone’s head.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 3:15 pm
Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart’s office has started a smart, targeted attack plan to reduce car jackings. We need more of these targeted efforts to make the streets and neighborhoods safer.

Comment by here we go Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 3:15 pm
==Wrong as usual==

And it’s only the 3rd day of the new year and his first comments out of the gate.

Comment by Demoralized Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 3:19 pm
==Seems to sum up a lot of the problem and the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois refuse to address it in any serious way. Indeed, just the opposite.

So it will continue and probably get worse.==

Well that’s an interesting take. My immediate reaction to that quote is that CPD has been offering up the same lame finger-pointing excuses for its ineffectiveness since at least 1974.

Comment by charles in charge Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 3:19 pm
RamblerFan - generally agree with your comment. But I think that we would see benefits from increased punishment/enforcement of UUW violations. Increased arrest rate and incarceration for illegal gun possession MAY create a deterrence.

Comment by WestBurbs Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 4:04 pm
“they got the GUNS off of us”. How many? How many did the carjackers have?

Comment by VonachenJunction Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 4:09 pm
Toni Preckwinkle is still living rent free in Lori Lightfoot’s head, and MML believes that every violent crime in Chicago is part of a conspiracy to make her look bad.

MLL needs to spend less time worrying about what Foxx, Preckwinkle, Harmon, and Pritzker are saying and doing, and spend some time focused on her actual job.

Comment by Juvenal Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 4:26 pm
charlesincharge, that was my impression too but to give the police the benefit of the doubt, they are relying on 19th century crime fighting techniques most of the time (did anyone see anything, can you describe the attacker, etc.)

Maybe if we could dream up better tools and a better surveillance state (the one we have now surveils for the wrong thing most of the time) that actually protects people and property, that would be better.

Comment by cermak_rd Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 4:26 pm
On not getting caught…Yep, that’s the core of the problem.

Carjacking is easy to get away with. CPD has adopted pretty restrictive high-speed chase policies. There are good reasons for that (like preventing accidents, injuries, and big financial settlements against the city,) but it might be contributing to the “we-can-get-away-with-this” mindset. Other jurisdictions track escaping carjackers with multiple helicopters, but CPD has only one chopper, I believe. Might be worth the expense to buy a few more or figure out if drones can do the work.

Comment by Roman Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 4:30 pm
How did Lightfoot’s husband “fire” at the carjackers after “they” had “taken the guns off of us”?

Hmmmn…say again?

Comment by Dotnonymous Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 4:31 pm
The fact that Chicago has nearly as many homicides as it did 50 years ago, despite 50 years of advances in medical technology that have saved the lives of many shooting victims, is not particularly reassuring. Total number of shootings would be a more apples-to-apples comparison, but I highly doubt those statistics exist from that far back.

Comment by Dan K. Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 8:04 pm
The Taurus Raging Judge .410 revolver loaded with incendiary buckshot or the Mossberg Shockwave loaded w 1 or 0 buck - #FirstToFire

Comment by Jack'oSpades Monday, Jan 3, 22 @ 8:05 pm
@dotnonymous

I am pretty sure when she said “taken the guns off us” meant that the criminals were no longer pointing their guns at them. Not that the criminals had confiscated any weapons that Lightford or her husband may have been carrying.

Comment by SomeGuy Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 10:18 am
“The fact that Chicago has nearly as many homicides as it did 50 years ago, despite 50 years of advances in medical technology that have saved the lives of many shooting victims, is not particularly reassuring. Total number of shootings would be a more apples-to-apples comparison”
Wrong.
Gun shot wounds are getting worse and harder for doctors to treat, not better.
https://www.insider.com/gunshot-injury-treatments-not-improving-statistics-2018-12

Comment by Da big bad wolf Tuesday, Jan 4, 22 @ 10:31 am