A Cook County judge set bail at $100,000 Friday for a Chicago social worker accused of carjacking a Lyft driver after a free ride to Western Springs.
Lionel Carter, 32, is charged with aggravated vehicular hijacking, aggravated battery and burglary, according to Cook County prosecutors. Carter appeared Friday afternoon in front of Judge Steven Rosenblum inside his Bridgeview courtroom.
Prosecutors said Carter begged his way into a cab ride on July 31 at 115 Bourbon Street, a bar located in Merrionette Park, that was ordered by three people he didn’t know, and then attacked the driver when the others were dropped off in the western suburbs. He was arrested Aug. 18 at an area hospital, where he was attending the birth of his second child.
Carter claimed he did not have any money and pleaded for a ride from the three others and the driver, prosecutors said.
During the ride, the others took a photo of Carter and got his phone number, prosecutors said.
When the Lyft driver arrived at the Western Springs address, Carter became aggressive with the driver, prosecutors said. He allegedly grabbed with one hand the neck of the driver, who was still inside the car. Carter then dragged the driver out of the car and grabbed him by the neck with both hands before driving off in the car.
Burr Ridge police found the car weeks later with a flat tire and the driver’s wallet still inside but with $700 missing from inside, prosecutors said.
Carter has a master’s degree in social work from DePaul University and has worked with youth and student services in the past, according to his defense attorney. Carter is due back in court Sept. 15.
Nick Swedberg is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
More Top Picks Best Hot Tubs