JEFFERSON PARK — Northwest Side neighbors and well-wishers from around the world have raised tens of thousands of dollars to help a Vietnam veteran who was carjacked while delivering pizzas in Jefferson Park last week.
About 9 p.m. Wednesday, two men attacked Ernie Aimone, a longtime delivery driver with Joe’s on Higgins Italian restaurant, in the 5300 block of North Ludlam Avenue, police and Aimone said.
Aimone told Block Club he was walking back to his car after delivering a pizza when someone rushed up behind him.
“I heard someone say, ‘Give me your keys, give me your keys,’ and then I got socked in the back of the jaw,” Aimone said. “I just laid down and played opossum because I didn’t know if they had a gun or not.”
The attackers took off in Aimone’s black 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe, police said.
Illinois State Police spotted the stolen car and tried to stop it a few hours later, but the driver refused to stop, officials said. A brief chase ended in a crash near South Sacramento Boulevard and West Congress Parkway, police said.
The 15-year-old driver was arrested and a black pellet gun was found, state police said. The car’s three passengers ran away.
The driver’s side of the Hyundai was crushed, and Aimone said he wouldn’t be surprised if his car is totaled. He’s also not sure if his insurance will cover the damage or a replacement because he doesn’t have a commercial auto insurance policy, which delivery drivers are sometimes required to have.
Aimone, a Vietnam-era Army veteran, has delivered for Joe’s on Higgins for about 40 years.
The Gladstone Park Chamber of Commerce launched a GoFundMe campaign Friday hoping to raise $75,000 for Aimone. As of Monday afternoon, donors gave over $50,000.
Aimone’s daughter, Robyn Aimone, said donations have come in from all over the world.
“It’s really unbelievable; so many people care,” Robyn Aimone said. The fundraiser has “restored my faith in humanity a little bit.”
The attack on Aimone comes amid a rise in carjackings, armed robberies and shootings targeting ride share, livery and delivery drivers throughout the city.
A Lyft driver was fatally shot in Austin and a limo driver was killed in separate incidents.
In July, a 40-year-old pizza delivery driver was shot and killed during an armed robbery in Auburn Gresham. In August, a 35-year-old food delivery driver was shot in his leg during an attempted robbery in Ashburn. And in November, a 31-year-old Uber Eats driver was killed and his 32-year-old brother was wounded during shooting in Humboldt Park.
Between Jan. 22 and 24, three food delivery drivers were robbed in the 1800 block of West Maypole on the Near West Side.
Ride share drivers hosted a vigil outside City Hall earlier this year and demanded more protection for local drivers.
Frank Demonte, co-owner of Joe’s and the grandson of the restaurant’s founder, said several customers have come by to drop off donations for Aimone.
“The community has been very responsive, so we’re thankful for that,” Demonte said. “Nobody should have to go through something like that, especially not an 81-year-old.”
Aimone, who will turn 82 at the end of the month, said he’s “antsy” to get back to work, though he may start working earlier shifts.
“I just love going in every day,” Aimone said. “I like getting to know all the families, and if I have time, I like doing card tricks for the kids.”
Robyn Aimone said she’s “terrified” for her father to start working again.
“I told him ‘Dad, I know you love it, I know it’s going to kill you to stop, but it would kill me even more if you don’t come home,'” she said.
When Aimone’s not working, he enjoys spending time with his family.
“His happiest place is when he’s with his family, whether it’s us, or his other family at Joe’s,” Robyn Aimone said.
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