Teens Arrested After Stolen Car Crashes Into Englewood Store (Video)

Two 15-year-old boys were arrested following a carjacking and crash that took place in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago. The carjacking incident, which involved a violent crash into a local convenience store, left the stolen vehicle embedded inside the store, causing significant damage. The crash happened in the early hours of Sunday morning, and both teens have been charged in connection with the incident.

Carjacking and Pursuit

The incident began when the two teenage boys allegedly carjacked a vehicle in a parking lot in Englewood. The stolen car was later spotted by police, who initiated a pursuit. The chase unfolded on the streets of Englewood, with the stolen vehicle heading northbound. Police resources were deployed as part of the pursuit, and officers monitored the situation as it developed.

During the chase, the stolen vehicle crashed into Aladdin’s Food Convenience Store, a local corner store near 75th Street in Englewood. The crash occurred just after midnight, severely damaging the storefront and leaving the car wedged inside the building. Witnesses reported hearing the crash and seeing the aftermath.

Witness Account of the Crash

Anthony Washington, a local resident who lives a block away from the crash site, was among the first to see the aftermath. He initially heard the crash and feared that someone had been seriously hurt. In his own words, Washington described how he left the scene out of fear but later returned to check on the situation. When he returned around 12:30 AM, he observed that the teens had been apprehended by the police.

Washington’s account highlights the impact of the crash on the community, as the violent nature of the incident caused concern among neighbors. The force of the crash not only embedded the vehicle inside the store but also knocked down a nearby streetlight, spreading debris across the area.

Damage to the Store and Structural Concerns

The extent of the damage to Aladdin’s Food Convenience Store was significant. Debris was scattered all over the store, and the crash caused structural damage that required further inspection. A traffic light outside the store was also knocked down as a result of the crash. The severity of the impact prevented the immediate removal of the vehicle from the store, as officials needed to ensure the building was safe.

An officer on the scene indicated that the car could not be removed from the store until a city inspector from the Department of Buildings could assess the structural damage. This inspection was necessary to ensure that the store could handle the removal of the vehicle without further compromising the building’s integrity.

Arrest and Charges

Following the crash, police led the two teenage boys away from the scene in handcuffs. Both boys were taken to the hospital as a precaution, though neither appeared to be seriously injured. One of the teens has been charged with a felony related to the stolen vehicle, while the other is facing a misdemeanor charge. The police did not release specific details about the exact charges but confirmed that the teens were apprehended without further incident.

As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to gather more information about how the carjacking and pursuit unfolded. The incident serves as a reminder of the serious consequences that can arise from criminal activity, particularly when it involves dangerous pursuits and reckless driving.

Ongoing Investigation

At this time, it is unclear if additional charges will be brought against the teens or if further details will emerge regarding their motivations for the carjacking. Investigators are likely reviewing footage and gathering eyewitness testimony to piece together the full sequence of events leading up to the crash.

The Englewood community, already grappling with crime and safety concerns, now faces the aftermath of this violent incident. The damage to Aladdin’s Food Convenience Store serves as a stark reminder of the physical destruction that such crimes can cause, not only to property but also to the sense of security within the neighborhood.

Conclusion

The arrest of the two teens involved in the Englewood carjacking and crash marks the end of a dangerous situation that could have resulted in more severe consequences. The quick response from law enforcement, combined with the vigilance of local residents, helped to prevent further harm. However, the incident has left a lasting impact on the community, with structural damage to a local business and a reminder of the ever-present threat of violent crime in the area. As the teens face legal repercussions for their actions, the Englewood neighborhood will likely be left to repair both the physical and emotional damage caused by this dangerous and reckless event.