Kyle Sears arrested in Verona, Illinois after auto theft warrant was issued outside Silver Cross Hospital: New Lenox Police

NEW LENOX, Ill. (WLS) — The man wanted for allegedly stealing a car and injuring an 80-year-old man outside a south suburban hospital Thursday night has been arrested, New Lenox police said.

Kyle Sears was located and arrested on Friday in Verona, Illinois.

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An arrest warrant was issued after an 80-year-old man was hit by his own car during a robbery outside Silver Cross Hospital Thursday night, New Lenox police said.

The incident occurred around 6:10 p.m., when the victim was being helped into the passenger seat of his minivan, police said.

The suspect, identified by police as Sears, 35, entered the driver’s side and began to drive away, police said.

The victim was partially seated when police said Sears was walking away. They said Sears pushed the victim out of the minivan, causing the minivan to hit her.

The minivan was later found in Joliet. Police said the victim is being treated for lower body injuries.

An arrest warrant was issued for Sears on charges of aggravated vehicular hijacking, aggravated kidnapping, vehicular trespass, possession of a stolen motor vehicle and aggravated assault. Police said Sears’ last known address is Shorewood, but he is believed to be homeless.

New Lenox police were following leads on Sears’ whereabouts and were in communication with the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office on Friday when he was located.

He was arrested without incident, police said.

He will be taken to the New Lenox Police Department and eventually to the Will County Jail.

Silver Cross Hospital released a statement about the incident, saying: “You may have noticed police activity outside our hospital discharge room this afternoon. At approximately 6pm, while a patient was being discharged, an unarmed man illegally took possession of the vehicle and pushed the patient. The patient is being treated in the Emergency Department for non-life-threatening injuries.

“We are grateful to New Lenox Police who have been on scene investigating. Based on the information we have at this time, we believe there are no additional safety concerns related to this incident.

“Our security team responded to the incident immediately, secured the area, notified local authorities and continues to provide security support for our campus.”

The 80-year-old man’s family said in a statement: “We are very grateful to the New Lenox Police Department and the detectives who have been so vigilant in locating and bringing this suspect to justice. Our uncle in no way deserved this, especially in front of a hospital.

“Andy was able to communicate with us and shared that the man didn’t care who he was going to hurt. It could have been a newborn baby with a mother leaving the hospital. Now, our attention is on Andy and the long journey for him to recover. “

Anyone with information is asked to contact New Lenox Police at 815-485-2500.