Crime & Safety
'Don't Vote Trump' Attackers Charged
Four people face vehicular hijacking charges stemming from a post-Election Day assault after a car crash that was caught on video.
CHICAGO, IL — Three adults and a teenage girl were charged last week in connection with the post-Election Day attack of a driver on the West Side while onlookers shouted anti-Donald Trump remarks at him, the Chicago Tribune reports.
The following individuals each were charged with felony vehicular hijacking:
- Julian Christian, 26, of the 2500 block of 14th Avenue, Broadview
- Dejuan Collins, 20, of the 9500 block of South Avalon Avenue
- Rajane Lewis, 21, of the 7800 block of South Euclid Avenue
- a 17-year-old girl who is being charged as a juvenile
On Nov. 9 — the day after Trump defeated Hillary Clinton for president — David Wilcox was pulled from his Pontiac Bonneville and beaten after a minor fender bender at Kedzie Avenue and Roosevelt Road. Instead of helping him, bystanders yelled "Don't vote Trump" and "You voted Trump."
Find out what's happening in West Sidefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Police claim the four people arrested and charged were identified as the individuals responsible for beating Wilcox, 49, the Tribune reports.
RELATED: Trump Supporter Beaten in Chicago Street, Recorded on Video
Find out what's happening in West Sidefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The assault gained national attention after a video of it was posted online. An extended version of the video released later also shows one of the attackers driving off with Wilcox's car, dragging Wilcox as he hangs on to the vehicle's door frame.
Despite the anti-Trump sentiment from the crowd egging on the attack, the violent incident was sparked over the traffic accident and not Wilcox's political leanings. While he did vote for Trump, Wilcox said his attackers would not have known that.
RELATED: Fender Bender, Not Trump Support, Sparked Beating in Video, Victim Says
Wilcox suffered multiple cuts and bruises along his arm, head and other parts of his body from the attack. He was treated and released from Mount Sinai Hospital.
ADVISORY: The following video contains violence and profanity and might be disturbing to some viewers.
Julian Christian (from left), Dejuan Collins and Rajane Lewis (photo via Cook County Sheriff's Police)
David Wilcox is beaten by unidentified attackers Wednesday, Nov. 9. (image via screenshot of video)
Like What You're Reading? Stay Patched In!
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.