Ignitions Damaged On 2 Cars During Theft Attempts In Oak Park

OAK PARK, IL — Police are searching for a suspect or suspects who damaged the ignitions on two cars in separate vehicle theft attempts in Oak Park. The first incident took place Tuesday in the 600 block of W. Washington and the second incident happened on Wednesday in the 200 block of Washington. Police have not indicated whether the reports were related.

On Tuesday sometime between 5:05 p.m. and 10:10 p.m. someone gained entry to a resident's car. The victim told police that the suspect(s) pulled out the car's ignition switch in what police described as a "possible attempt to steal the vehicle."

Police said that on Wednesday, a resident was inside her home when she heard her vehicle start. She looked outside and saw a man inside her car, according to police. The victim fled on foot, heading northbound on Harvey, police say. Police found damage to the victim's car that indicated the suspect was attempting to peel the steering column.

The suspect of Wednesday's incident was described as a black male with light skin. He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and blue Nike baseball batting gloves.

If you have any information, contact Oak Park Police at 708-434-1636.

>>Image via Shutterstock