ESL Police warn: Body on road could be carjacking ruse

East St. Louis Police say they’ve had recent reports of carjackings in which one perpetrator lies in the street, then an accomplice jumps from nearby bushes and robs the motorist at gunpoint.

Capt. Bobby Cole said another possible scenario involves the carjacker stopping a vehicle in front of another motorist. “The people in the car that stopped at the stop sign, hop out and rob the motorist,” Cole said.

So far no one has been harmed in the recent cases. “We don’t want anyone to get hurt,” Cole said.

He added, “If you drive up and see someone lying on the ground, try to go around them or back your vehicle up and go another way. When you get to a safe spot, call 911 or 482-6700 and ask for investigations.”

Asked where the incidents have been reported, Cole said, “We had one incident in the District 3 area, which is the outer State Street area. We also had one incident in the north side area, which is near the Roosevelt Homes.”

Cole said the East St. Louis Police Department is being proactive and putting out a warning to residents. “We want them to know what is going on so they will not be a victim,” he said.

This story was originally published July 31, 2015 at 5:50 PM.