On Wednesday in Chicago, video captured a chaotic scene where a police car was struck during a teen-led hijacking, with bystanders cheering and recording the event.
The incident occurred around 12:43 a.m. when a teenage boy hijacked a police cruiser, causing it to be hit by another vehicle, according to police reports.
A crowd surrounded both cars, with some individuals seen leaping into the police vehicle as it was forced backward.
Maximus Widarski, 19, was charged with taking nine vehicles and faced misdemeanor charges for reckless driving and attempting to evade police.
Widarski asserted to Fox News Digital that he wasn’t involved—his car had stalled, and he was simply observing the situation. When he tried to call for help, police mistakenly thought he was participating in the takeover.
He insisted he wasn’t driving the car that collided with the police cruiser.
“The second officer came right up behind me, told me to get out, and arrested me, claiming I was part of the street hijacking,” Widerski explained.
Chicago Councilman Peter Chico mentioned another similar incident happened in the Hegewisch district on Friday evening.
During that incident, masked individuals were seen striking a police vehicle and obstructing its movement. It’s still unclear if any arrests were made.
Councilman Raymond Lopez expressed concern over the lack of arrests, stating everyone involved in the street takeover should face consequences.
“It’s hard to believe only one person was caught. There were so many breaking the law. Everyone was recklessly endangering lives,” Lopez added.
He further emphasized that street occupations shouldn’t jeopardize the safety of those simply doing their jobs, like police officers.
Illinois State Comptroller Susan Mendoza criticized Chicago’s Mayor Brandon Johnson, suggesting that if he isn’t willing to take charge, he should step aside and allow law enforcement to operate effectively.
Mendoza emphasized, “CPD deserves better. This blatant attack on our officers requires serious actions such as license revocation and maximum fines.”
FOX News Digital has reached out to both the Chicago Police Department and the mayor’s office for comment.
