A 23-year-old Montgomery man has agreed to a sentence of 16 years of in prison in exchange for a guilty plea to the offense of Aggravated Vehicular Hijacking, a Class X felony. Judge Julia Yetter accepted the plea.
Prosecutors said that on September 1, 2024, the victim was driving through the drive-thru lane of a Dunkin’ located on the 2900 block of Kirk Road in Aurora when Martinez approached her car, holding an object that appeared to be a firearm. Martinez pointed the object at the victim and ordered her to get out of the vehicle, a 2016 Chevrolet Camaro. The victim sped away, jumping a curb, but Martinez held on to the car. The victim eventually stopped, grabbed her belongings, and exited the car. Martinez then entered the vehicle and fled the scene.
A witness directly behind the victim in the drive-thru captured the incident on a dash-mounted camera. The witness told investigators he believed Martinez had a real gun. Approximately one hour and twenty minutes later, Martinez, who was on parole from previous drugs and weapons convictions, was stopped by the Chicago Police Department in the victim’s vehicle. No firearm or firearm-like object was recovered when Martinez was arrested.
“This defendant committed a calculated act of violence against an unsuspecting, innocent person simply trying to get her morning coffee,” Assistant State’s Attorney Kelly Orland said. “His actions put others in danger and took away their sense of safety. I commend the victim for her courage throughout this ordeal and thank Victim Advocate Holly Novak for her support.”
In accordance with Illinois law, Martinez is eligible for day-for-day sentencing. Martinez receives credit for 396 days served in the Kane County jail.
