Press Release: Chicago Man Charged with Attempted Kidnapping, Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding

City of Evanston, Illinois sent this bulletin at 05/21/2023 04:10 PM CDT

Sunday, May 21, 2023 | View in browser

Chicago Man Charged with Attempted Kidnapping, Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding

EVANSTON, IL - On May 20, 2023, at approximately 9:45 a.m. an Evanston Police Officer was on patrol in the area of the 600 block of University Place when he was flagged down by a woman stating that a subject had just attempted to push her into his vehicle.

The victim told the officer that she was walking in the 600 block of University Place when she was approached by the offender. The offender attempted to push her into his vehicle. She was able to escape and the offender fled. The victim provided a description of the offender and his vehicle, which was put out via a radio flash.

Two Evanston Police Officers were in the area and spotted a Ford Escape matching the description of the offender's vehicle. The Ford was south bound on Chicago Avenue at Clark Street. The officers attempted to stop the Ford, but it did not stop. The Ford and its driver led police on a low speed chase south on Chicago Avenue to South Boulevard before stopping.

Once the Ford was stopped officers were able to take the driver and sole occupant, James Saye, into custody without incident. Saye matched the description of the offender and was identified by the victim. Saye was transported to the Evanston Police Department for further investigation. There were no injuries or traffic crashes as a result of the pursuit.

Evanston Police Detectives investigated. The investigation included reviewing surveillance footage that captured the incident. Saye did not make a statement. Saye was the only offender and police are not seeking additional suspects.

Detectives reviewed the investigation with the Cook County State's Attorney's Office. The State's Attorney's Office approved felony charges for attempted kidnapping and aggravated fleeing and eluding.

The victim is an adult female Evanston resident with no affiliation to Northwestern University. She did not sustain any significant physical injuries.

Offender

Saye, James 28 year-old male

6100 block of North Seeley Ave. Chicago, IL

Charges