A 32-year-old Chicago man faces multiple felony charges after allegedly taking a vehicle from a 47-year-old man at gunpoint in Lincoln Park early Sunday, October 11.
Benjamin Villanueva, who is from Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood, was arrested shortly after the reported carjacking. Police said the incident occurred in the 2500 block of North Cannon Drive, an area within the city’s lakefront Lincoln Park.
Authorities said Villanueva was taken into custody at approximately 1:03 a.m. in the 3200 block of North Wilton Avenue in the nearby Lakeview neighborhood. The location is close to the Belmont station, which serves Chicago’s Red, Brown and Purple Line trains.
According to police, the vehicle was taken at gunpoint just minutes before the arrest. Villanueva was also wanted on an outstanding warrant, authorities said.
Multiple Charges Filed
Villanueva faces three felony counts: aggravated vehicular hijacking with a firearm, aggravated battery to a peace officer and possession of a weapon by a felon.
He also faces misdemeanor charges of criminal trespass to real property and aggravated assault.
The charges relate to allegations against Villanueva and do not constitute a finding of guilt. Further court proceedings will determine how the case moves forward.
Where the Carjacking Happened
North Cannon Drive runs through the lakefront park, east of the Lincoln Park neighborhood. The surrounding area includes parkland and popular attractions, including the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.
The location can attract visitors and pedestrians during the day, while some sections of the park may be quieter late at night. The reported carjacking occurred during the early morning hours, when activity in the area may be more limited.
The nearby Lakeview neighborhood is home to the Belmont transit station and several major streets, connecting the area to other parts of Chicago.
What Happens Next?
Villanueva was scheduled for a detention hearing on Monday, October 12. The hearing is expected to address whether he will remain in custody while the criminal case proceeds.
The outcome of that hearing was not confirmed in the available reporting.
The case remains part of the legal process, and Villanueva is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
