Man fought priest outside Chicago church during carjack attempt: prosecutors
CHICAGO (WGN) — A Chicago man was taken into custody this week following two alleged attempted carjackings, including one in which he's accused of scuffling with a priest.
Raleigh Ford, 18, of the 1100 block of North Hudson Avenue, in the city's River North neighborhood, was arrested Monday. Authorities said Ford was taken into custody after trying to steal a car on the 1000 block of North Clark Street. A handgun was used in the case, police said.
One of the arresting officers is said to have recognized Ford as a suspect in another case five days earlier that was recorded by security cameras.
Prosecutors allege that on May 21, Ford attempted to steal a 2015 Toyota Rav 4 belonging to a Catholic priest outside Holy Name Cathedral. According to a charging document, the priest left the vehicle unlocked and running outside the church on the 700 block of North Wabash Avenue. When the priest returned outside after checking the mail, he allegedly saw Ford getting into the driver's seat. The priest got in the vehicle on the passenger side and 'a brief physical altercation occurred' as the men each tried to get control.
The priest, who was not publicly identified, ultimately got the keys out of the ignition and Ford ran off, authorities said.
The attempted theft and struggle were recorded by the church's security system, officials said. Three police officers who'd previously arrested Ford allegedly recognized him in the footage.
'The priest involved is not a member of the staff at Holy Name Cathedral,' church officials told WGN. 'He has recovered and is actively ministering at his parish. We appreciate the concern and prayers from the community.'
The news organization CWBChicago reported the attack outside the church came just days after Ford was released on parole for an armed robbery conviction.
Court documents reveal Ford has a juvenile criminal past that includes stolen vehicle and armed robbery cases. He is now charged with attempted vehicular hijacking, aggravated assault, and criminal trespassing to a vehicle.
Ford appeared in court Friday before Judge Luciano Panici Jr. and was ordered held until trial. His next court appearance was scheduled for June 2.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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