Chicago Suburbs: Gunman Gets 10 Years for Gas Station Carjacking

POSEN, IL – A brazen carjacking at a suburban Chicago gas station has landed Kewan Tillman, 20, of Calumet City, a ten-year federal prison sentence. The incident, which unfolded at the Thorntons station in Posen, Illinois on July 27, 2022, saw Tillman brandishing a loaded handgun at a woman as she approached her vehicle, demanding her keys.

The victim, demonstrating quick thinking under duress, managed to get her two young children out of the Kia Optima before Tillman ripped the car away. But his escape was short-lived. Almost immediately after stealing the vehicle, Tillman lost control and crashed, abandoning the car in a desperate bid to evade capture. He didn’t get far.

Tillman then attempted to force his way into an occupied semi-truck, failing to gain entry. Undeterred, he targeted another parked vehicle, initiating a physical altercation with the driver. It was during this struggle that the Posen Police Department moved in and took him into custody. The scene was chaotic, a clear illustration of the escalating violence plaguing even seemingly quiet suburban areas.

A search of the area revealed a discarded handgun hidden in a sewer. The firearm, investigators found, wasn’t just loaded – it had been illegally modified to fire in fully automatic mode, adding another serious federal charge to Tillman’s mounting legal problems. The feds wasted little time in bringing charges, and Tillman eventually pleaded guilty.

U.S. District Judge Elaine E. Bucklo delivered the sentence today, sending a clear message that armed carjacking will not be tolerated. Ten years in federal prison is a substantial penalty, and serves as a stark warning to others considering similar criminal acts. Federal prosecutors emphasized the severity of the crime, particularly the danger posed by the illegally modified weapon.

This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in combating violent crime, even in traditionally safe communities. The quick response of the Posen Police Department, combined with the thorough investigation by federal authorities, ensured that Tillman was brought to justice. The victim’s bravery in protecting her children also deserves recognition in a situation that could have easily turned tragic.

The ten-year sentence is intended to both punish Tillman for his actions and deter others from engaging in similar criminal behavior. The feds are clearly signaling that they will aggressively prosecute those who threaten the safety and security of the public.

This isn’t just about a stolen car; it’s about the terror inflicted on a mother and her children, and the reckless endangerment caused by an individual wielding a dangerous weapon. The streets of Posen, and the entire region, are a little safer with Tillman behind bars.