2 men arrested for Lyons carjacking were out on bond

By Bob Bong

Lyons police on Thursday arrested two men suspected of being involved in an attempted carjacking in the 7700 block of 45th Place around 2 p.m. on November 29.

Justin Lebron, 20, of Cicero, and Cesar Lopez, 18, of Waukegan, were captured after a foot case, police said.

Police Chief Tom Herion said both men had extensive criminal histories and should not have been released on bond and allowed back on the streets.

Lebron

“One offender was out on bond for murder,” Herion said. “The other was wearing an ankle bracelet under house arrest already and charged with unlawful use of a weapon, firearm. They should never have been on the street to commit another crime.”

Police said a handgun was recovered from the men and the victims have positively identified both Lebron and Lopez.

One round was fired at the scene, but no one was injured, Herion said.

He said they fled the scene on foot but were captured after a short chase and taken into custody.

Both men were charged with attempted aggravated vehicular hijacking. Lebron was also charged with reckless discharge of a firearm.

Lyons Mayor Christopher Getty praised the police for their fast action.

“Who knows how badly this could have become with these career criminals who were released from other

Lopez

charges and were out on the street?” Getty said.

“I want to thank our police for responding quickly and apprehending the suspects. We are hoping they are not released on bond again, to commit more crimes while awaiting trial.”

The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are pending Cook County State’s Attorney’s approval.

Lebron has two previous arrests and convictions for unlawful possession of a firearm – defacement of serial number. An electronic monitor was attached to his ankle at time of his arrest.

Lopez was free despite facing a pending trial for a 2020 murder charge.