Passing Motorist's Meta Glasses Capture Attempted Lyft Carjacking in Chicago

Prosecutors say a 27-year-old man tried to carjack a female Lyft driver in a terrifying encounter that was partially recorded on video.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 6:24pm

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A 27-year-old Chicago man named Eli Brooks has been charged with attempted vehicular hijacking, attempted robbery, attempted kidnapping, and aggravated battery after allegedly trying to carjack a female Lyft driver in a terrifying encounter that was partially captured on video by a passing motorist wearing Meta smart glasses.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing role of wearable technology in capturing evidence of crimes, as well as the risks and vulnerabilities that gig economy drivers can face. It also raises questions about the legal and ethical implications of bystanders recording private interactions without consent.

The details

According to prosecutors, Brooks requested a Lyft ride on March 13 and once inside the vehicle, he began directing the 37-year-old driver to take a different route. He eventually guided her to an empty parking lot in the Dan Ryan Woods, where he allegedly unbuckled her seatbelt, raised his hand as if he had a gun, and ordered her out of the SUV. When she tried to reverse the vehicle, Brooks allegedly wrapped his arm around her neck and pressed a hard object into her ribs. A passing driver wearing Meta smart glasses recorded key moments of the confrontation before the driver was able to break free and drive to safety.

  • On March 13, 2026 at around 5:30 p.m., the incident occurred.
  • Brooks was arrested and is now facing charges.

The players

Eli Brooks

A 27-year-old Chicago resident who has been charged with attempted vehicular hijacking, attempted robbery, attempted kidnapping, and aggravated battery.

The 37-year-old Lyft driver

The female Lyft driver who was the victim of the attempted carjacking.

The passing motorist

A bystander who was wearing Meta smart glasses and partially recorded the confrontation on video.

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What they’re saying

“He thought he was seeing a domestic dispute. However, the glasses were actively recording audio and video, capturing key moments of the confrontation.”

— The passing motorist

What’s next

Brooks is being held in detention pending trial, and the video evidence captured by the passing motorist's Meta glasses will likely play a key role in the prosecution's case.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the growing role of wearable technology in capturing evidence of crimes, as well as the risks and vulnerabilities that gig economy workers can face. It also raises important questions about the legal and ethical implications of bystander recordings without consent.