Mount Prospect man charged after police say he tried to hijack five vehicles

A Mount Prospect man faces five attempted vehicular-hijacking charges after police said he approached occupied vehicles with a metal pipe during a July 22 incident near Rand Road and Mount Prospect Road.

The defendant, identified in a July 24 follow-up as Christopher Novaczyk, also faces at least two criminal-damage-to-property charges, according to the reported charging account. The follow-up reported that he was ordered detained before trial. His next court date was reported as August 21, 2026.

Police reported crashes and vehicle attacks

Mount Prospect police first responded at about 12:45 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, after receiving multiple calls about a man approaching occupied vehicles and striking them with a metal pipe, according to the initial police account reported by the Daily Herald.

Police said the man was involved in two crashes before officers arrived at Rand Road and Mount Prospect Road. He then caused a third crash near Rand Road and Henry Street, according to the reports.

After leaving his vehicle, police said, the man approached several motorists, attempted to enter vehicles and struck additional cars with the pipe. The follow-up account reported that two witnesses restrained him until officers arrived.

Officers arrested the man, and he was taken to a hospital for treatment. The July 23 report said charges were pending at that time.

Charging update identified Christopher Novaczyk

The July 24 follow-up identified the defendant as Christopher Novaczyk and reported five attempted vehicular-hijacking counts. It also reported at least two criminal-damage-to-property counts tied to alleged damage to vehicles.

The charging account, as described in that follow-up, alleges attempts to take control of five vehicles near the Rand Road corridor. The reports describe attempted vehicle hijackings; they do not establish that a completed carjacking occurred.

Responding officer suffered minor injuries

A Mount Prospect police officer responding to the incident was involved in a separate traffic crash, according to the initial police report. The officer was taken to a hospital and treated for minor injuries.

The initial reports said several vehicles were damaged and asked people with information about the incident to contact the Mount Prospect Police Department at 847-870-5656.

Case remains pending

The reported detention order means Novaczyk was ordered held before trial; it is not a finding of guilt. The charges remain allegations, and the case will proceed through the court system. His next court date was reported as August 21, 2026.

Sources

• Daily Herald crime report, July 23, 2026
• Cardinal News charging and detention follow-up, July 24, 2026