Armed Carjacking and Attempted Robbery in Chicago

Suspects remain at large after targeting Lyft driver and taco stand

Apr. 19, 2026 at 12:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a pair of related incidents, a group of armed men carjacked a Lyft driver in West Town early Sunday morning and then attempted to rob a late-night taco stand in Bucktown around 45 minutes later. The suspects, described as three Black men between 18 and 22 years old, remain at large after fleeing the scene in the stolen vehicle.

Why it matters

Carjackings and armed robberies have been on the rise in Chicago, raising concerns about public safety and the need for increased law enforcement and community-based solutions to address the underlying factors driving this criminal activity.

The details

According to police reports, the Lyft driver picked up three men in the 2300 block of West Fulton Street around 3 a.m. When they reached the 2100 block of West Walnut Street, at least one of the passengers displayed a gun and announced a robbery. The men took the driver's phone and wallet, forced him out of his Nissan, and drove off with the car. Around 3:40 a.m., the same stolen car was spotted in Bucktown when two men walked into Arturo's Tacos at 2001 North Western Avenue and announced a robbery, with one man displaying a rifle and the other a handgun. The two suspects abandoned the robbery attempt and fled the scene in the stolen Nissan.

  • The carjacking occurred around 3 a.m. on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
  • The attempted robbery at Arturo's Tacos happened around 3:40 a.m. on the same morning.

The players

Lyft driver

The victim of the carjacking, who was forced out of his vehicle at gunpoint by the suspects.

Arturo's Tacos

The late-night taco stand in Bucktown that was the target of the attempted armed robbery.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Carjackings and armed robberies have been a growing problem in our city, and we need to work together as a community to find solutions that address the root causes and keep our streets safe.”

— Alderman Maria Hadden, Chicago City Council

What’s next

Police are actively investigating the incidents and searching for the suspects, who remain at large. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the crimes to come forward and contact the Chicago Police Department.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges Chicago faces with violent crime, particularly the rise in carjackings and armed robberies that have left many residents feeling unsafe in their own neighborhoods. Addressing these issues will require a multi-faceted approach involving law enforcement, community organizations, and policymakers working together to find long-term solutions.