Social media helps Wilmette police nab suspects in attempted carjacking

Three individuals reportedly attempted to steal a Wilmette resident’s car near the downtown area on Tuesday evening, Nov. 9.

According to a release from the Wilmette Police Department, the resident told police he fled on foot at about 7:45 p.m. when three individuals implied they were armed and asked for his car keys in an alley in the 1000 block of Linden Avenue.

The resident reportedly called 911 from a neighbor’s home, and police responded by establishing a perimeter and alerting the community via posts on Facebook and Twitter.

Police believe the posts elicited multiple calls from community members that led to the apprehension of two of the three alleged offenders. No weapon was recovered, police said.

One juvenile and one adult were taken into custody without incident just after 9:15 p.m. in separate locations within blocks of the reported crime. One was located in the 600 block of Isabella Avenue and the other the 100 block of 6th Street. Police have not located the third reported subject, according to the release.

The incident was Wilmette’s first carjacking attempt in at least four years, police said.

“Residents are reminded that while these crimes do not occur frequently in our community, they are possible,” the release says. “Wilmette and neighboring communities continue to experience stolen motor vehicles and an increase in catalytic converter thefts.”

Wilemtte police also warn residents to not confront offenders as “there is a possibility they may be armed. Make note of important information, such as a description of the subjects and clothing, direction of travel, any related vehicles and immediately call 911.”

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