Carjackers Captured By Darien Police: Report

DARIEN, IL — Two men accused in a Woodridge carjacking were apprehended by Darien police officers after the stolen car broke down in traffic, DuPage County prosecutors said in a news release Friday. About 1 p.m. Wednesday, Darryl Simmons, 18, of Woodridge, is alleged to have approached a man at one of the pumps at a Citgo gas station in Woodridge, put a gun to his head and demanded his money and keys.

Simmons and Jehdan Matthews, 19, of Calumet City, then drove off in the man's car, with Simmons behind the wheel, the release said. Not long after, the car broke down in traffic. Darien police officers saw the men run away and chased them through a nearby golf course before catching them, prosecutors said. Police found the gun used in the carjacking, along with a 30-round extended magazine, the release said.

State's Attorney Robert Berlin said it was the fourth time in a little more than a month that a DuPage County resident was the victim of a carjacking at gunpoint.

"In DuPage County, law enforcement has no tolerance for this type of violent behavior. Make no mistake, if you commit a violent crime in DuPage County you will be arrested, charged and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Berlin said in the news release. "Thankfully the victim of this alleged hijacking was not injured."

In the release, Darien Police Chief Greg Thomas said he appreciated the "great teamwork" between agencies that allowed law enforcement to get the two men off the street.

Simmons' and Matthews' bonds were set at $750,000 and $600,000, respectively, according to the state's attorney. The men must put down 10 percent to be released. The state asked the court to set no bond. The suspects are both charged with the felony of aggravated vehicular hijacking with a firearm.

Simmons will be arraigned Feb. 21 and Matthews Feb. 20. Both face a possible sentence of 21 to 45 years in prison, according to the state's attorney.