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Van With Eight Occupants Carjacked, Three Held

CHICAGO (STMW) - The owner of a tricked out conversion van was carjacked on the West Side early Saturday, but the three suspects didn't get far because he was able to remotely turn off its ignition.

No one was hurt and three men are in custody.

About midnight the motorist was at a BP gas station, 603 S. Independence Blvd. when two suspects ordered all eight occupants out and took the van by force, police said.

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Police surmised the owner of the van had likely spent a lot of money on it, because it is equipped with 42-inch rims and 58-inch speakers.

The suspects drove off it with, and got onto the eastbound Eisenhower Expressway. But moments later, the owner used an electronic device to remotely turn off the ignition, police said.

The owner also flagged down a nearby Chicago Police Officer who found the stopped van with the two suspects inside, pulled over onto a shoulder of the Ike near Sacramento.

A short foot chase ensued as one of the two suspects ran while the other jumped into a "getaway vehicle'" being driven by the third suspect who was following the van, according to police.

The suspect who ran was quickly apprehended and other police units chased after the fleeing car and stopped it on a ramp for Sacramento nearby, taking into custody its driver and the third accomplice, police said.

Illinois State Police District Chicago Master Sgt. Anthony Hoop said his troopers assisted. The road was not shut down, but the troopers searched the area off the Ike for contraband and weapons but no guns were found.

A physical lineup was done at Harrison Area police headquarters, and the three suspects remain in custody.

No charges have been filed as of noon.

Harrison Area detectives are investigating.

© Sun-Times Media Wire Chicago Sun-Times 2011. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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