Orland Park Man Caught Driving Hot Car Stolen From Driveway: Cops

HICKORY HILLS, IL -- An Orland Park man was caught driving a hot car after police noticed the registration did not match up with the vehicle that was parked in a Walgreen’s lot, prosecutors said. Jacob Brown, 21, appeared before Cook County Judge John Mahoney on a felony charge possession of a stolen motor vehicle. Brown is also charged with misdemeanor resisting arrest.

Hickory Hills police were on patrol around 11 p.m. April 14 when they ran the plate on a 2016 Hyundai Sonata parked in the Walgreen’s lot at 7921 W. 81st St. The plate came back registered to a 2004 Saturn. After running the VIN, officers discovered that the car had been stolen on March 31, after the owner had left it parked on the driveway with the keys inside.

According to the charges, officers observed Brown coming out of the store and getting into the vehicle. When officers approached Brown, he took off running. Brown was apprehended after a brief foot chase a few blocks from the store.

The prosecutor said Brown is on probation for possession of a stolen motor vehicle in Indiana.

The assistant public defender requested that abrasions on Brown’s face be photographed. He also requested a medical order at Cermak Hospital so that Brown can take needed medication.

Bail was set at $50,000. Brown is due back in court May 13 in Bridgeview.

During the bond hearing, a sheriff’s deputy confiscated a young man’s cell phone for allegedly filming the court proceedings.

“I was on Snapchat,” the young man told the judge, who identified himself as Brown’s cousin. “I was just scrolling. I wasn’t filming.”

“You’re lucky I’m not locking you up for contempt,” Mahoney said, threatening to keep the phone.

“If I apologize, can I get my phone back,” the young man asked. “I just bought it.”

“If I ever see you in here again you’re going to be in a world of hurt,” the judge said.