article

Kyle Sears | Provided by police

NEW LENOX, IL. – Authorities are actively searching for a suspect accused of carjacking an 80-year-old man outside Silver Cross Hospital earlier this week.

Kyle Sears is wanted for aggravated vehicular hijacking, vehicular invasion, possession of a stolen motor vehicle and aggravated battery, according to New Lenox police.

The incident happened around 6:10 p.m. Wednesday when police responded to a call about a stolen vehicle in Silver Cross.

Officers arrived and learned that the 80-year-old man, who was being released from the hospital, had been helped into the passenger seat of his minivan. That’s when Sears allegedly entered the driver’s side and began driving away with the victim still partially seated inside.

Sears allegedly pushed the man out of the vehicle, causing him to be struck by the minivan as Sears fled the scene. Officers later recovered the vehicle in Joliet, but Sears remains at large.

The victim is being treated for lower body injuries.

An arrest warrant for Sears was issued Thursday. Police say his last known address was in Shorewood, although they believe he may now be homeless.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Sears is asked to contact the New Lenox Police Department at 815-485-2500.