Crime & Safety
Winnebago County, IL Hijacking Arrest: Rockford Man Charged
Rockford, IL – A 33 year old Rockford man was arrested Wednesday evening after police responded to a reported vehicle hijacking and located the vehicle a short time later.
By Lauren Beckett · 2026-10-01T17:52:34.008Z
Rockford, IL – A 33 year old Rockford man was arrested Wednesday evening after police responded to a reported vehicle hijacking and located the vehicle a short time later.
According to the Rockford Police Department , Specialized Community Oriented Police Enforcement officers, known as SCOPE, responded at approximately 6:15 p.m. Wednesday to the 200 block of Cabaugh Avenue for a report of a vehicular hijacking.
Police said officers located the vehicle shortly afterward in the 2200 block of Benderwirt Avenue and took TJ Sledge, 33, of Rockford , into custody.
After reviewing the circumstances of the case, the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office authorized several criminal charges, according to the department.
Sledge allegedly faces charges of vehicular hijacking, unlawful possession of a stolen vehicle, theft and domestic battery .
Police said Sledge was lodged in the Winnebago County Jail following his arrest.
The department did not provide additional details in the release about what allegedly occurred before the vehicle was taken, whether anyone was injured or how officers located the vehicle.
The incident was among cases highlighted by Rockford police in an Oct. 1 release covering activity from Wednesday.
The charges are accusations, and Sledge is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Anyone with information connected to the incident can contact the Rockford Police Department. Additional case information may become available as the matter proceeds through the Winnebago County court system.