Crime & Safety

Carjacker on the Run: Man who Allegedly Stole Car at Gunpoint Still Missing

DuPage County prosecutors hope to try Michael Buhrman, 31, of Coal City, in absentia. They say he has possibly fled the country.

Last May, a man in a high-quality latex mask approached a 2000 Pontiac Grand Am parked near Kohl's, 1001 75th St. in Woodridge. 

The man, who the driver thought to be "an old drunk homeless guy" whispered if she was okay, according to the Chicago Tribune. When the driver said she was fine, the man pointed a loaded .45-caliber handgun at her chin, demanded her car keys and sped away. 

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Michael Buhrman, 31, of Coal City, was later arrested by Woodridge police, who said they also recovered the mask, a two-way radio and the gun.

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At the time, Buhrman was working as a licensed senior reactor operator at a nuclear power plant in Morris. He is also a Navy veteran. After his arrest, Buhrman, told authorities that stealing the car was a "stupid thing" to do and he was only "thrill seeking."

Buhrman posted $20,000 bond and was released from custody. Authorities now say that he may have left the country and hope to move to trial without him. The FBI is also investigating Buhrman for other crimes. 

On the run? 

DuPage County prosecutors presented evidence Thursday that Buhrman "perhaps has fled the country and should be tried in absentia, according to the Trib

In July, prosecutors said they had learned Buhrman planned to flee to Chile "within the next few weeks." He had told a 20-year-old woman he had "access to a private jet" and recently purchased several thousands of dollars in gold.

A judge placed Buhrman on home confinement and required him to wear a GPS monitor on his leg. He also had to surrender his passport, according to the Trib

Buhrman made his last court appearance in August. His GPS monitor was found in an abandoned home in Coal City on Sept. 28, according to the Trib

Three days before, he visited his ex-wife with gifts for their 6-year-old son, the Trib reported. He also withdrew $14,000 from his bank account. That money had been wired from an international account the day before.

What's next: Judge Kathyrn Creswell has set a March court date to determine whether to proceed if Buhrman is still missing.  


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