Chicago Family Targeted Again by Thieves, Enduring Second Violent Robbery: Shocking Video Captures Terrifying Ordeal
A Chicago family who had recently fallen victim to carjackers in their own driveway faced another harrowing experience, as thieves targeted them once again. The incident, captured on video, has left the family traumatized and concerned for their safety.
The Pettiford family first encountered carjackers on November 2, when Michele Pettiford and her daughter were returning from a volleyball event. Two unidentified men held them at gunpoint, stole their car, and fled the scene. The family, determined to raise awareness about the incident, spoke out about their terrifying encounter.
Unfortunately, just twelve days later, the Pettiford family experienced another robbery. Chicago police confirmed responding to a call about a stolen vehicle in the 9300 block of South Pleasant on November 14. Although the car was later recovered near the 9700 block of South Merrill, the police have yet to confirm if the same perpetrators were involved in both incidents.
The shocking video captured by the family’s Ring camera reveals the terrifying ordeal they had to endure. One of the attackers is seen pushing Michele Pettiford to the ground, demanding her car keys and snatching her purse. The other assailant runs after her daughter, who managed to reach the safety of their house and call the police. The attackers continued to threaten Michele and rummage through her purse, while her husband, Jeff, emerged from their backdoor.
The distressed father recounted the moment with deep emotion, stating, The feeling and the sound; I’ll never forget any of it, but that is probably going to stick around the longest. He describes how his daughter immediately dialed 911, seeking help during the frightening situation. As the attackers searched for the car keys, Jeff attempted to de-escalate the situation by pointing out the car parked in the driveway, conveniently with the keys inside. However, one of the thieves managed to find Michele’s keys and swiftly started her car. The two suspects then fled in her Audi A7, leaving the traumatized parents behind.
Michele expressed her fear during the incident, saying, I thought that I wasn’t going to be here anymore. Jeff highlighted the gravity of carjackings, emphasizing how they affect families and communities. A carjacking isn’t just somebody stealing a car, he said. When you see something like that and the trauma it causes a family, a wife, a daughter… then it becomes more real.
While two individuals are in custody for the November 2 carjacking, the police have not yet confirmed if there is any connection between the two incidents. However, this shocking series of events reflects a growing problem in Chicago. The Chicago Police Department has reported a significant increase in motor vehicle thefts this year, with a 56 percent rise compared to 2022 and a staggering 193 percent rise compared to 2021. Despite the alarming statistics, sources suggest that the department prioritizes more serious crimes, potentially hampering efforts to address these incidents effectively.
The Pettiford family’s story serves as a chilling reminder of the prevalence of carjackings in Chicago and the impact they have on victims. As the year comes to a close, it remains crucial for law enforcement agencies and local communities to work together to combat this alarming trend and ensure the safety of residents.
