$8,000 in rewards offered for carjacker

8/16/2005

Rewards totaling $8,000 are being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for the carjacking Sunday morning of a 71-year-old woman who was delivering The Blade.

The Blade is offering a $5,000 reward.

Mayor Jack Ford, who yesterday announced a $3,000 reward, said he believes someone knows who committed the crime.

"These types of crimes, particularly when committed against senior citizens, are unconscionable," Mr. Ford said during a news conference.

He said the reward would be extended to information individuals may have on any carjacking suspect in the city.

Phyllis Rhoton was outside her vehicle about 6:50 a.m. in the 1000 block of Yates Street when a man walked up to her and started a conversation, she told police.

She said the man then jumped into her vehicle, with Peggy Haresdad, 68, and 200 newspapers in the backseat, and drove off. The thief drove for several blocks before stopping and ordering Ms. Haresdad out.

Chief Navarre said the car, a green Chevy Lumina, was recovered at 5:50 a.m. yesterday at Everett and Warsaw streets, near where it was taken.

Chief Navarre said the thief could be from the surrounding neighborhood.

The two women were involved in a similar incident in the 1000 block of Page Street on March 4, where Ms. Rhoton was assaulted by a thief looking for money. She was treated at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center.

The Blade also offered a $5,000 reward in that case, but no one has been arrested for the assault.