A Chicago woman and her coworker are being hailed as heroes after surviving a terrifying armed carjacking incident. The 40-year-old woman, identified as Jaquita Sims, and her coworker, a 65-year-old man, narrowly escaped harm thanks to the coworker’s legal firearm.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday morning last week when Sims’s car experienced a flat tire as she was heading to O’Hare International Airport. Her coworker kindly offered her a ride and picked her up on Chicago’s West Side in his Toyota Corolla.
As they were driving, four men in a silver SUV approached their vehicle, brandishing firearms and demanding that they exit. A gunfight ensued when the coworker, who had a concealed carry license, drew his own weapon and used his only five bullets to defend himself and Sims.
During the exchange of gunfire, the suspects fired approximately 20 rounds at the car. Miraculously, only one bullet struck Sims, hitting her in the chest, while her coworker was grazed on the thigh. Both victims were taken to a local hospital, treated for their injuries, and have since been released.
Sims’s mother expressed her gratitude for her daughter’s survival, considering the number of bullet holes in the car. She credited divine intervention for protecting her daughter, stating, “Angels covered her. God covered my daughter. Thank you, Lord.”
The incident highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence in Chicago, with community members and religious leaders calling for an end to such senseless acts. Sims’s pastor, Terrell Stevens, emphasized that victims of gun violence are not just random targets but someone’s daughter, urging those responsible to consider the consequences of their actions.
While the investigation into the incident is ongoing, it serves as a reminder of the urgent need to address the rising rates of robberies and car thefts in Chicago. Despite a decrease in homicides and shootings in 2023 compared to the previous year, robberies and car thefts have seen significant increases.
Sims’s mother expressed concern for other families who may receive tragic phone calls due to gun violence, emphasizing the importance of removing guns from the hands of criminals. She urged authorities to take swift action to prevent further incidents.
As Chicago continues to grapple with these challenges, the bravery and survival of Jaquita Sims and her coworker serve as a testament to the need for community vigilance and effective measures to ensure public safety.
