CPD carjacking task force created after uptick in incidents

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Chicago Police Department has created a task force to look at the increase in carjacking incidents in the city.

CPD Superintendent Eddie Johnson discussed the task force Wednesday, days after a 17-year-old carjacking suspect was fatally shot by an off-duty Chicago Fire Department lieutenant - the third carjacking this week in Chicago.

Vehicular hijackings in Chicago nearly doubled between 2015 and 2016, according to CPD. So far this year, there have been 270 carjackings. Last year, there were 661. In 2012, there were 487.

Johnson said the suspects committing the carjackings are also concering.

"We also know that a lot of our carjackings are being committed by juvenile offenders," he said.

CPD has also mobilized specialized robbery teams to deal with carjackings in problem areas.

Wednesday morning, a 37-year-old woman's car was taken at gunpoint and found in a Near Northwest Side alley. The armed suspect announced a robbery before also demanding the victim's cash, debit card and phone.

Sunday night, surveillance video captured a team of carjackers after they ripped off a black Jeep near Iowa and Oakley on the city's West Side.

The victim said he was getting something out of his vehicle when at least one man walked up and grabbed his keys and took off.

Chicago police officials plan to meet with judicial justice officials to develop a more targeted plan to not only help the kids committing these crimes, but also hold them accountable.

Meanwhile, Johnson warns the public about staying safe.

"If you are ever confronted with that, don't struggle, just give up the car because you can replace your car, but you can't replace your life," Johnson.