5 teens charged after allegedly choking man in attempted Loop carjacking

CHICAGO - Five teenagers face charges after allegedly trying to carjack a man in the Loop Monday evening, pointing a replica gun at him before beating, choking and biting him.

Two men were sitting in a Dodge Charger in the 100 block of West Randolph Street when four boys, all 16 years old, and a girl, 15, came up and opened the driver’s door, Chicago police said.

One of the teens pointed a gun at the driver, 32, before striking him in the head and chest multiple times, police said. After the man refused to give up his car, they allegedly bit and choked him.

The passenger, 35, tried to intervene but was punched multiple times by the teens, police said. People on the street yelled for police as the attackers ran away.

Officers responded at 5:15 p.m. and arrested the teens in the 100 block of West Lake Street, police said. The victims refused medical treatment.

Police sources said the teens’ gun appeared to be a replica.

The five teens each face a felony count of attempted vehicular highjacking, while the four boys also face a misdemeanor count each of battery, police said.

They are expected to appear in juvenile court later Tuesday.