June 24, 2025

Recent Armed Carjackings Lead to Arrests in Kentucky and Illinois

News Summary

Two recent armed carjackings have resulted in the arrests of suspects in Kentucky and Illinois, raising alarms about vehicle theft and rising violence. Christian Smith was apprehended in connection with a carjacking following a crash, while Corey L. Roth faces multiple charges including aggravated vehicular hijacking after carrying a firearm during a theft. Authorities are investigating a spike in carjackings, urging residents to remain vigilant as they work to enhance public safety.

Park City, Kentucky – Two men have been arrested in separate incidents involving armed carjackings, with one suspect apprehended in Illinois and the other in Kentucky. The arrests highlight ongoing concerns regarding vehicle theft and violent crime in the region.

Christian Smith, a man from Illinois, was taken into custody on Sunday evening following a series of events that began with a collision. The Kentucky State Police (KSP) received reports of an injury collision around 6 p.m. As officers responded to the scene, they were informed that Smith had been involved in a crash and subsequently committed a carjacking. Authorities located Smith traveling north on US 31 West and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. He failed to comply and continued driving until he was finally stopped on the northbound on-ramp to Interstate 65 in Park City. The investigation into Smith’s actions is currently ongoing, with KSP gathering more details about the incident.

In a separate case, a man named Corey L. Roth from Hannibal, Missouri, was jailed after an armed carjacking incident near Hull in Pike County. The Pike County Sheriff’s Office reported receiving a call about a vehicle being stolen from Illinois Route 106 at 12:22 a.m. on Saturday. Witnesses indicated that Roth had brandished a firearm during the theft. Law enforcement officers from Quincy later located the stolen vehicle and arrested Roth. He now faces several serious charges, including aggravated vehicular hijacking, possession of a weapon by a felon, intimidation, aggravated assault, driving on a revoked license, and possession of a certificate of title without complete assignment. The aggravated vehicular hijacking charge is classified as a Class X felony in Illinois, which is considered the second most serious crime classification in the state. Roth’s release is currently being contested by the Pike County state’s attorney’s office, and he remains held in Pike County Jail.

These incidents are part of a broader trend of rising carjackings in various regions, including the surrounding states. Just a few weeks ago, on January 5, another individual, Brian Lee Kerr Jr., was arrested after leading law enforcement on a pursuit in Illinois. Kerr is suspected of being the primary suspect in a deadly carjacking that took place on December 28 in Oak Grove, Kentucky, where he allegedly shot the victim multiple times. After the shooting, it is believed that Kerr drove a stolen vehicle to Humphreys County, where he abandoned it and stole another truck. Kerr’s criminal actions culminated in the crash of the second stolen vehicle in Maury County.

Authorities believe that during these incidents, Kerr was armed with two handguns and an AR-15 rifle. He has previous convictions for first-degree murder and is known for having violent tendencies and a history of methamphetamine use. The investigation into Kerr’s involvement in the deadly carjacking and subsequent pursuit by law enforcement is ongoing, with possible additional charges expected to be filed.

The rise in armed carjackings has led to increased vigilance among law enforcement agencies, as they seek to address the root causes behind these violent crimes and enhance public safety measures. Residents are urged to remain alert and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement to help combat vehicle theft in their communities. As investigations continue, authorities are focused on ensuring that justice is served for the victims affected by these alarming incidents.

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Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER

The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.

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