I-55 Carjacking Suspect Caught Near Arsenal Road: State Police

WILMINGTON, IL — Authorities in Grundy County have charged 22-year-old Wanyae A.J. Massey of Chicago with aggravated vehicular hijacking involving a gun after Illinois State Police troopers say he crashed into a semi-trailer Monday morning and then pulled a gun on two people who stopped to render aid. The incident happened along a northbound stretch of Interstate 55, south of Joliet.

Besides the carjacking charge, Massey faces one count of aggravated vehicular hijacking of a victim under 16, unlawful use of a weapon by a convicted felon, possession of a stolen vehicle and leaving the scene of a personal injury crash.

According to Illinois State Police, Massey was involved in a crash along a stretch of I-55 south of Gorman Road around 7:20 a.m. Monday.

"Troopers learned that after the crash involving the passenger vehicle and the truck tractor semi-trailer occurred, a vehicle, occupied by two males, stopped to assist after witnessing the crash occur," state police said.

At that point, Massey pulled out a gun and stole their vehicle, Illinois State Police said.

The stolen car was spotted by state troopers south of Arsenal Road along the northbound stretch of I-55, police said. Massey refused to stop and a chase ensued, police indicated.

Eventually, Massey crashed the stolen vehicle near County Line Road and Blodgett Avenue in Wilmington and tried to run away, authorities said. Illinois State Police say they captured Massey near the Harbor Side Marina and two guns were later recovered.

The truck driver involved in the initial crash with Massey was taken to a local hospital for minor injuries and the two victims of the carjacking were not hurt, police said.

"The arrest would not have been possible without the assistance of the following agencies: Will County Forest Preserve Police Department, Elwood Police Department, Wilmington Police Department, Channahon Police Department and the Will County Sheriff’s Office," the Illinois State Police announced Tuesday.

Massey is being held in the Grundy County Jail in Morris, state police said.