Carjackings

August 2, 2023

Carjacking is a federal crime. Most states also have jurisdiction. Carjacking involves stealing a vehicle while the owner is in the vehicle, often with a weapon and/or threat of violence. Carjacking is a dangerous felony punishable with prison time, often many years especially if a weapon is used. Women are often the victims.

Carjackings are on the rise in the US, many committed by teenagers. Here are some examples and facts:

-Chicago leads the US with 2000+ carjackings last year. About 10% of the vehicles were recovered. Experts say teenagers and auto theft criminals commit most of the crimes. Notice the jump when Biden took office in 2020-2021.

-Philadelphia and NYC have experienced a quadrupling of carjackings over the last 4 years. One mother crashed her van while trying to escape.

-A 73-year-old woman was killed in New Orleans during a carjacking. She was dragged to death and had her arm severed during the crime.

-Detroit, Newark, NJ, Baltimore, San Francisco, Bakersfield, Ca., Modesto, Ca., and Milwaukee all have record levels of carjackings.

-In Pico Rivera, Ca. a 13-year-old-girl died during a carjacking. The thief entered the vehicle while 4 children were still inside. Two children jumped out, however, an 8-year-old boy and his 13-year-old sister remained in the car as the thief drove away. At a speed of 60mph the children were forced out. The girl died at the scene. The driver was named Jose Aquilar.

Experts say the “soft on crime” policies of these big cities is the reason for the increase. Prosecutors and judges use politics rather than the law and facts to punish violent offenders. It is not working!