Aurora man accused of carjacking, beating 69-year-old man

An Aurora man accused of carjacking and beating a 69-year-old is facing several felony charges and has been ordered detained pretrial.

Grant Chandler, 26, is charged with one count of Aggravated Vehicular Hijacking, one count of Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle, one count of Attempted Vehicular Hijacking, two counts of Aggravated Battery, one count of Attempted Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle, one count of Attempt Burglary, Aggravated Battery in Public and one count of Armed Robbery with a Firearm, all felonies, according to a news release from the DuPage County state’s attorney’s office. Chandler is currently on probation after a 2023 conviction for delivery of cocaine.

Aurora police officers responded about 7:30 a.m. Wednesday to a call about a disturbance at Quality Inn, 4005 Gabrielle Lane. Authorities learned that the victim, a 69-year-old man, was walking from the hotel to his truck, which he had started remotely. The victim was approached by a man, later identified as Chandler, who asked him for a ride, according to the news release.

The victim declined to give Chandler a ride, then walked back toward the hotel to alert staff members about Chandler.

Chandler again approached the victim’s truck and entered through the driver’s side door. When the victim attempted to pull Chandler from his truck, Chandler exited the truck and punched the victim about the head multiple times, the release stated. Chandler got back into the truck and attempted to drive with the front driver's side door open as the victim continued to attempt to pull Chandler back out of the vehicle, the release said.

Chandler then tried to flee in other vehicles, including a garbage truck, but was unsuccessful. Police found him in a nearby apartment complex and, after a brief struggle, he was arrested.

Chandler’s next court date is scheduled for Feb. 17 in Wheaton.