Car Stolen At Gunpoint From Driveway In Wheaton

Police say Andrew Strong was armed when he knocked on the driver's car window just after they had pulled into the driveway of their home.

By Lisa Marie Farver, Patch Staff

Jul 27, 2026 6:04 AM CDT | Updated Jul 27, 2026 6:05 AM CDT

Police say Andrew Strong was armed when he knocked on the driver's car window just after they had pulled into the driveway of their home. (DuPage County State's Attorney's Office)

WHEATON, IL — A car was stolen at gunpoint shortly after its owner pulled into their driveway in Wheaton.

Andrew Strong, 25, of Chicago, was charged with aggravated vehicular hijacking, unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon and aggravated fleeing and eluding in connection with the July 24 incident.

Police were called to the 1000 block of East Willow Avenue around 12:50 a.m. for a report that an Acura MDX had been stolen at gunpoint from the driveway of a home.

Strong is accused of knocking on the window of the car while wearing a black ski mask and displaying a handgun and demanding the driver "get out of the car." Once the driver got out, Strong is accused of saying, "Get on the ground and don't do anything stupid."

According to police, a second person who was also wearing a ski mask, got into the car and drove off. Strong is accused of getting into a Nissan and fleeing the scene.

Both cars were later spotted heading east on Roosevelt Road in Glen Ellyn. When police activated their sirens and emergency lights, the cars sped away, reaching speeds of 100 mph, a news release from the Wheaton Police Department said.

Officers employed spike strips, which led to the Nissan crashing. Police say Strong and the other suspect fled on foot.

They were later seen running along train tracks in the 2000 block of Beach Street. Strong was taken into custody and police reported finding a black Springfield handgun on the Nissan's passenger seat.

Strong is being held at DuPage County Jail.

"Judge Aranda's decision to deny pre-trial release for Mr. Strong sends a crystal-clear 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 statement.

Berlin added, "Additionally, the quick apprehension of the defendant demonstrates our commitment to public safety and the fact that we will use every tool at our disposal, including air support, to apprehend those who engage in the type of behavior alleged in this case. Thankfully, no one was physically injured as a result of Mr. Strong's alleged actions."

Strong is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 24.