Man Threatened To Slit Woman's Throat Before Stealing Car In Lombard: Cops

LOMBARD, IL — A man accused of threatening to slit a woman's throat and then stealing her car in Lombard is being held on $1 million bond.

Bryan Church, 33, of the 2700 block of Highland Avenue, Lombard, has been charged with aggravated vehicular hijacking and aggravated battery to a police officer in connection with the July 5 incident.

Police say a woman was sitting in her 2020 Honda Accord in her Highland Avenue apartment complex's parking garage around 11:10 a.m. when Church got into the car and sat in the passenger seat. Church reportedly asked the woman to give him a ride, but she refused and asked him to get out of her car.

Church is accused of threatening to slit the woman's throat and demanding her to leave the car. Once she complied, he fled in her car, according to police.

Shortly after the carjacking, police were called to the 700 block of Butterfield Road in response to a reported disturbance. They say Church was inside an office building and kicked and pushed an officer who tried to approach him. He was taken into custody and is accused of having had a BB gun and two knives inside his backpack at the time.

“The quick apprehension of Mr. Church and significant bond set by Judge Alvarado sends the message that in DuPage County, we will not tolerate violent criminal activity, as alleged in this case,” DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a news release. “Thankfully, no one was physically injured as a result of Mr. Church’s alleged actions."

Church is set to appear in court again Aug. 8.

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