A Chicago man has been sentenced to 18 years in federal prison for a horrifying carjacking rampage in 2021, during which he fired into an occupied vehicle, stole another car at gunpoint, and led police on a high-speed, crash-filled chase armed with a machine gun.
Last year, a jury convicted Kiar Evans, 26, of four federal counts: carjacking, attempted carjacking, illegal possession of a firearm by a felon, and brandishing a firearm during an act of violence. This month, U.S. District Judge Martha M. Pacold imposed a 216-month sentence, followed by three years of supervised release.
The case stems from a violent afternoon on May 20, 2021, when Evans fled a crash near Independence Boulevard and Congress Parkway, approaching a Chevrolet Impala and firing two shots through the front passenger window. The occupants narrowly avoided major injury, as one individual was hurt by shattered glass.
Prosecutors claim Evans then turned his weapon—a Glock 19 illegally modified to fire fully automatic—on the driver of a neighboring Nissan Altima, carjacked it at gunpoint, and escaped.
His brief flight ended less than three miles away at Harrison Street and Ogden Avenue, when he smashed the Altima in a multi-vehicle collision. Officers arrested him and recovered the Glock, which had an extended magazine, laser sight, and auto switch.
Evans’ binge was caught on surveillance cameras and observed by a helicopter crew from the Chicago police.
Evans had recently been freed from parole when he committed the atrocities. Prosecutors cited his significant criminal past, stretching back to the age of 15, which included robbery and narcotics charges. While in jail awaiting trial, he had 18 disciplinary offenses, including possession of marijuana and crack cocaine.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paige Nutini and Jimmy Arce, Evans “did not hesitate to use that gun to intimidate his victims and force his will upon them” and “exhibited a total disregard for the safety and well-being of others.” Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paige Nutini and Jimmy Arce emphasized that Evans’ lack of serious injuries was due to pure luck.
Although prosecutors noted Evans’ terrible past, substance misuse, and the recent tragic shooting of his brother, they maintained that a lengthy term was required to safeguard the public.
Evans was also required to pay $4,642.64 in reparation to his victims.
