Teen charged with 7 felonies after armed robberies in Chicago

The 15-year-old suspect allegedly targeted people in their vehicles over a one-month period.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 9:54pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 15-year-old boy in Chicago is facing seven felony charges, including robbery while armed with a firearm and aggravated assault involving the discharge of a firearm, after a series of incidents where he allegedly targeted people sitting in their vehicles and tried to take their property.

Why it matters

Carjackings and robberies targeting people in their vehicles have been an ongoing issue in certain Chicago neighborhoods, raising concerns about public safety and the need for more effective crime prevention strategies, especially when juveniles are involved.

The details

Police say the 15-year-old suspect was arrested on March 11 in the 1500 block of South Kedvale Avenue on the city's West Side. The incidents he is charged with occurred between February 18 and March 11 in the Lawndale and South Austin neighborhoods, where he allegedly reached into vehicles and tried to take property from the occupants. In one case, a gun was fired but no one was struck.

  • On February 18, the suspect allegedly robbed a 19-year-old man in the 1500 block of South Keeler Avenue.
  • On February 26, the suspect allegedly robbed a 24-year-old man in the 1000 block of North Leamington Avenue.
  • On March 11, the suspect allegedly robbed a 27-year-old man and 27-year-old woman in the 1500 block of South Keeler Avenue.

The players

15-year-old boy

The juvenile suspect who was arrested and charged with seven felonies related to the armed robberies targeting people in their vehicles.

Chicago Police Department

The law enforcement agency that investigated the incidents and made the arrest of the 15-year-old suspect.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the 15-year-old suspect to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of juvenile crime and the need for comprehensive strategies to address the root causes and prevent such incidents, while also ensuring public safety and appropriate accountability for offenders.