18-Year-Old Charged In Carjacking Had Arrest Warrant: Prosecutors

CHICAGO — The Lake County teen accused of attempting to carjack a woman at Glencoe Golf Club Thursday was wanted on a arrest warrant connected to earlier juvenile conviction for armed robbery and possession of a stolen vehicle at the time of his arrest, authorities said.

Zayveon Thomas, 18, of Beach Park, was arrested in Cook County Forest Preserve District property near the golf club after he fled into the woods when they were unable to steal a vehicle from a golfer because she had the key fob in her pocket, prosecutors said at a bond hearing Saturday.

Circuit Judge David Navarro ordered Thomas to remain held at Cook County Jail in lieu of the $10,000 cash portion of his bond ahead of his next court appearance.

"These are concerning allegations to say the least," Navarro said. "You have a young man on a juvenile warrant for armed robbery out of Lake County now before me having attempted to hijack a vehicle from a senior citizen."

Thomas faces felony charges of attempted aggravated vehicular hijacking, unlawful possession of a stolen motor vehicle and aggravated battery to a person over the age of 60. The two co-defendants remain at large, according to police.

Prosecutors said Thomas drove a stolen black Lexus with two other accomplices to the golf club, parked nearby and walked several blocks over to the golf club.

One of the unidentified carjackers lifted up his shirt to show a weapon to the woman as she gathered her golfing materials and Thomas got into the driver's seat, according to prosecutors.

The woman began to scream, and Thomas got out and pushed her to the ground, causing her to strike her head, according to prosecutors. All three attackers got back into the car and tried to flee but — because the woman still had the key fob in her pocket — they were unable to steal the car.

All three took off running toward the Chicago Botanical Gardens as the golfer continued to scream, according to prosecutors. Two witnesses took off chasing, with one of them recorded him with a cell phone. While Thomas was taken into custody, the other two suspects escaped.

Prosecutors said Thomas made statements implicating himself after being advised of his right to remain silent.

EARLIER: Armed Carjackers Push Woman To Ground, Fail To Steal Car: Police

The public defender appointed to represent Thomas said he had been living in the same Beach Park location with his family for the past five years and recently completed his sophomore year at a school for students with special needs. She said he did not have any money available to post for bond.

Thomas, whose next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday in Skokie, must appear before a Lake County judge in connection with his juvenile warrant, according to Navarro.

UPDATE: Federal Prosecutors Indict Lake County Man Over North Shore Carjacking Attempt