Hitchhiker Carjacks Victim In Joliet, Throws Him Out Of Car: Police

JOLIET — A 29-year-old New Lenox resident is back in the Will County Jail for the fourth time since 2024, and his latest arrest involves allegations of carrying out a violent carjacking in Joliet.

Joliet police said that Robert Burnett, who comes from O'Connell Circle, is now in the Will County Jail on charges of vehicular hijacking, battery, possessing a stolen vehicle and obstructing justice.

Joliet police said that solving the crime involved an assist from Crest Hill police.

According to Joliet police spokesman Dwayne English, his agency responded to CR Towing and Recovery at 1233 E. Washington St. around 4:10 p.m. Sunday for an injured man in the parking lot. The man suffered injuries to his face, and officers learned that he was driving his Nissan Rogue in the area of Maple Road in New Lenox when he gave a ride to Burnett, who was walking along the road.

"It is believed that Burnett directed the victim to the parking lot of CR Towing and Recovery in Joliet," English said.

A short time later, Burnett punched the victim in the face and pushed him out of the vehicle, English said. Joliet police say Burnett then drove the Nissan westbound on Washington Street.

The victim was evaluated by Joliet Fire Department paramedics at the scene but refused further medical attention.

Later on Sunday, Crest Hill Police learned that the stolen Nissan Rogue had a hit-and-run crash near Theodore Street and North Broadway Street.

Following a search of the area, Burnett was captured by Crest Hill officers in the 1700 block of North Nicholson Street. Joliet police identified Burnett as the same suspect involved in the crime on Washington Street, and he was placed into custody.

Joliet police said that Burnett refused to cooperate with booking procedures at the Joliet Police Department, so he was taken to the Will County Adult Detention Facility.

English later told Joliet Patch that officers are still investigating whether Burnett knew the carjacking victim.