Local Crime Roundup

Editor's note: The crime news reported by the Southwest Chicago Post---taken directly from Chicago Police Department incident reports---is not by any means an exhaustive catalogue of all crime reported in the Chicago Lawn (8th) District. For example, it typically does not include news of crimes committed in the eastern and southern sectors of the district---because the Southwest Chicago Post's coverage area is primarily the neighborhoods that border Midway Airport and secondarily because including the relatively large volume of crime news from elsewhere in the district would be a logistical challenge. We make this note to offer a little helpful perspective and remind everyone that while crime is definitely a concern in all parts of the district (as it always has been), crime remains relatively low overall in Sector 1. May all of us work together diligently to keep it that way. May all of us also remember that a person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

* * *

Two thugs who robbed a Clearing convenience store at gunpoint on Wednesday, May 30 remain at large.

At about 2:00 p.m., a man walked into the Friendly Food and Liquor store, 6323 South Central, pointed a chrome-plated handgun at a 25-year-old clerk and ordered her to hand over the contents of the cash register and then lie down on the floor. She did as she was told, and then the robber began filling a black trash bag with candy, cigarettes and bottles of liquor.

A second offender then grabbed a 51-year-old man in the store, took $15 cash from his wallet and used duct tape to tie him up.




File photo---example only.

  The first offender then said, "Let's go, Darnell" to the second offender, and both fled the store in an unknown direction. In all, the pair stole 12 bottles of Yukon Jack liqueur, 31 packages of cigarettes, $10 worth of candy and $60 cash.

The victims described the first criminal as a black man, 21-28 years old, 5'4 and 130 pounds, brown eyes and a medium complexion; and the second criminal ("Darnell") as a black man, 21-28 years old, 5'7 and 180 pounds, with a dark complexion.

* * *

A 49-year-old laborer from the South Side's West Pullman neighborhood was arrested in the Clearing neighborhood on Tuesday, May 29 for allegedly exposing his genitals in public and then threatening an off-duty Chicago Police sergeant.

Cleo McCoo was charged with two misdemeanors and has a court date of June 26, police said.

According to the off-duty sergeant, at about 2:45 p.m. he saw McCoo and another man at the end of an alley near 64th and Nottingham. McCoo was allegedly waving his exposed penis in the air, visible to the sergeant and three young girls (ages 5-7) playing nearby.

The sergeant said that when he ordered McCoo to put his penis back in his pants, McCoo hollered "F~ck you, b~tch!"

The sergeant then reportedly said, "I'm an off-duty Chicago Police officer. Put your d~ck away." He said that McCoo responded, "F~ck you, b~tch. I wish you would get in my face. I'll kick your ass."

The sergeant then went inside his house to retrieve his police star and duty weapon, also telling his wife to call 911 and report the situation.

The sergeant then walked out of his house and ordered McCoo and the other man to lie down on the ground. Upon seeing the star and weapon, McCoo allegedly said, "Oh, so you are the Five-O? I'll still kick your ass!"

While charges were for misdemeanor crimes, the incident raised questions among neighbors in the immediate vicinity, who witnessed a large, fast police response and wondered what the cause was. At least a dozen police officers were on the scene, due to the fact that the situation was labeled a 10-1 (officer in immediate danger, all units respond).

* * *

Burglars broke through the window of a garage near 58th and Nottingham and stole four black rims, a Ninja mini-bike, and air compressor and a tool bag filled with tools. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 34-year-old man, when he came home from work at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 29. His neighbor reported that earlier in the day, at about 10:30 a.m., she had heard cars doors opening and closing near the garage and saw two men with a white Chevrolet Caprice Classic with chipped paint. When they saw her, they drove away.

* * *

Burglars entered a home near 80th and Kenneth and stole six TV sets, a laptop computer, three gaming consoles (PlayStation, xBox and Wii), an engagement ring and miscellaneous other jewelry.

The crime was discovered by the victim, a 19-year-old woman, when she came home from work at 7:45 p.m. Tuesday, May 29. There was no sign of forced entry, and a back door was unlocked.

* * *

Burglars broke into a garage near 49th and Tripp and stole a brick cutter and a soldering machine. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 21-year-old woman, at 5:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 27.

# # #

Local Crime Roundup

Editor's note: The crime news reported by the Southwest Chicago Post---taken directly from Chicago Police Department incident reports---is not by any means an exhaustive catalogue of all crime reported in the Chicago Lawn (8th) District. For example, it typically does not include news of crimes committed in the eastern and southern sectors of the district---because the Southwest Chicago Post's coverage area is primarily the neighborhoods that border Midway Airport and secondarily because including the relatively large volume of crime news from elsewhere in the district would be a logistical challenge. We make this note to offer a little helpful perspective and remind everyone that while crime is definitely a concern in all parts of the district (as it always has been), crime remains relatively low overall in Sector 1. May all of us work together diligently to keep it that way. May all of us also remember that a person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

* * *

An argument in an Archer Heights alley has led to the arrest of two people for aggravated assault.

Arrested were Archer Heights resident and purported gang member Felipe Mijares, 28; and Little Village resident Veronica Davila, 33.

At about 11:30 p.m. Sunday, May 27, Mijares and Davila were allegedly in an alley near 48th and Springfield, attempting to enter a backyard. When a 41-year-old resident of the address refused to open the back gate, Mijares reportedly became belligerent and threatened a 27-year-old Ashburn man in the back yard, allegedly saying "I'll get you. Come over here. You're dead."

Mijares then allegedly brandished a small black handgun, pointed it in the air and said "I'll kill you all" to the 27-year-old man and two other people in the yard.

In another attempt to gain access to the back yard, Davila allegedly raised a beer bottle in a threatening manner against the 41-year-old, who still refused to open the gate.

When police arrived, they said that Mijares and Davila fled. Police later arrested the pair at Mijares' apartment near 52nd and Kostner.

* * *

A 19-year-old Brighton Park man who attends Curie High School was robbed of a laptop computer as he waited for a bus at the CTA facility at 5106 South Pulaski, at 11:10 a.m. Friday, May 25.

Two offenders committed the crime. First, a 16-17-year-old girl snuck up behind the victim and pulled the laptop out of his bookbag. When he pursued her, he was stopped by her accomplice, a 17-year-old boy who swung a lock and chain at him---which the victim blocked with his arm. The pair of robbers then ran east, away from the CTA facility.

The victim described both as white Hispanics and told police he believes they attend Curie. He said he would check his yearbook to see if he can identify them.

* * *

Burglars broke into the rear door of a home near 59th and Springfield and stole three laptop computers and two rings. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 47-year-old woman, when she arrived home at 10:45 p.m. Sunday, May 27.

* * *

A 40-year-old West Elsdon woman was the victim of a strong-arm robbery as she walked on the sidewalk near 5301 S. Pulaski at about noon Friday, May 25.

A thug ran up to her, knocked her to the ground, yanked two gold chains off her neck and fled east through a vacant lot.

The woman described the criminal as a white Hispanic teenager, 15-19 years old, 5'9 to 6'0 tall, 160-170 pounds, olive complexion, wearing a light-colored t-shirt, tan pants with the cuffs rolled up, and a blue ski cap with dark, braided strings.

* * *

Burglars broke into a home near 60th and Kildare and stole a notebook computer before apparently being frightened off by two people living there.

At about 9:00 a.m. Friday, May 25, a 19-year-old woman and a 23-year-old man sleeping in the upstairs bedrooms were awakened by a loud bang. They heard someone on the main floor of the home, hollered to indicate they were in the home, and then came downstairs to discover the crime and report it to police.

# # #

Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch Doing Everything Right, Crime Stoppers Say



Cook County Crime Stoppers Chairman George McDade.

 As one of Chicago's most active and effective crime fighting organizations, the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch (GRNW) is growing accustomed to hearing praise. And they received it again this month.

"This group is doing everything right---just the way a neighborhood watch ought to be run," said Cook County Crime Stoppers Chairman George McDade. "If we could bundle what you have and send it to every other neighborhood in the city and county, we would."

McDade's comments were made at the GRNW's May meeting, held in the lobby of Bridgeview Bank, 6366 South Archer. About 40 people, mostly GRNW members, were in attendance.

“The mere fact that this meeting is being held at a local bank shows the good work your organization has done to successfully reach out to your local business community and enlist them as allies in preventing crime and keeping the neighborhood safe," McDade added.

McDade, along with Crime Stoppers Vice Chairman Paul Rutherford, attended the meeting as invited guests. They gave GRNW members an overview of their organization, which attempts to unite law enforcement agencies, businesses, the news media, community groups and individuals to fight felony-level crime.

It encourages people to anonymously report tips on crime and thereby be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000. People can call 1-800-535-STOP to report their tips. Callers never have to give their name, just their information. Crime Stoppers relays tips to the proper law enforcement agency for action.

McDade and Rutherford noted that Crime Stoppers' confidentiality is especially useful for people who, for any number of reasons, may be afraid to report crime tips to police or other law enforcement agencies. They noted that their program enjoys success in high-crime areas of the city and suburban Cook County.

Rutherford also observed that anonymity in reporting crime is especially important for teenagers who may be fearful of retribution by gang members in and around school. He mentioned Crime Stoppers' initiatives to reach out to young people and encourage them to report what they know. One of those is the Chicago Police Department's TXT2TIP program that encourages people to send anonymous tips via mobile phone text messaging.

Since its establishment in 1986, Crime Stoppers has helped federal, state and local law enforcement agencies recover over $23 million in property and illegal narcotics, the group reports. Crime Stoppers has programs to combat illegal gun possession and use, domestic violence, fraud, illegal drug and gang activity, auto theft, campus violence and felony-level animal abuse, among others.

Other matters discussed at the GRNW meeting included:

► GRNW President Al Cacciottolo added his thanks to Bridgeview Bank Area Branch Manager Andrew M. Trippi and his staff for being gracious and accommodating hosts. "Bridgeview Bank has always been a good neighbor and friend of this group. They set an example that all businesses should follow." Additionally, he thanked the rank and file of the GRNW, many of whom were at the meeting. "You know, those of us on the (GRNW) board are always front and center. I just want to say that this organization is only as good as its members; and there are a number of people here tonight---and you know who you are---who make us as effective as we are. Thank you for all you do."

► In an update of a concern mentioned at the April meeting, Cacciottolo mentioned that police and others are keeping a close watch on a residence near 56th and Narragansett. In April, a number of people observed young men on the front porch of the home, apparently attempting to intimidate students at the west entrance to Kennedy High School (almost directly across the street). The men, dressed in gang banger-style dark jeans and plain white t-shirts, were seen flashing gang signs and giving the "war face" glares that are a small but common part of gang intimidation. "Well, if you've noticed---since last month, things have gotten real quiet at that house," Cacciottolo said. "They know they are being watched, very closely. So let's all stay on top of this and make sure it stays that way."

► Normandy Park Supervisor Kathy Murray gave a brief update on programs at the park and encouraged everyone to register as early as possible for summer programs. She also mentioned graffiti and vandalism at Stars and Stripes Park, which she described as an "unmanned" park that she is responsible for. She encouraged everyone with questions or concerns about either park to call her directly at 773-229-1421.

► An update on GRNW court advocacy efforts was provided by Arlene White, who also expressed frustration with judges who are lenient on crime and who are resistant to---and even hostile to efforts by court advocates to support victims and make their presence known in court. The GRNW's involvement in court advocacy is part of a larger effort by the Chicago Police Department Eighth District’s court advocacy effort, in which local volunteers attend select criminal court proceedings to display unity, support local crime victims and impress upon judges and everyone the community’s ongoing demand for justice. In recent years, local court advocates have played a role in the convictions of over 200 criminals on graffiti-related charges and more than $32,000 in fines. There are currently about 40 men and women who serve as Eighth District court advocates.

► Ron Koperniak provided an update on the GRNW's Adopt-A-Block program, stating that 17 blocks in Garfield Ridge are now linked to the GRNW with block leaders who share important crime prevention information on a neighbor-to-neighbor basis and who promote a sense of unity and camaraderie on the blocks.

► An update was provided on GRNW efforts to help a local homeowner of limited means remove raccoons from an attic near 56th and McVicker, after Chicago Animal Care and Control refused to remove them or provide a trap. GRNW volunteers are purchasing Shake-Away repellent (concentrated coyote urine pellets) and using them to dislodge the raccoons. They are also patching the entry hole in the roof. Also discussed was a GRNW effort to assist a local homeowner of limited means near 58th and Neva. The GRNW has secured donated lumber and is seeking volunteer carpenters to mend a 15-foot section of dilapidated fence in the back yard. They are having difficulty contacting the woman to gain her consent to perform the free work.

► Cacciottolo announced that the GRNW is working with State Senator Martin A. Sandoval to strengthen state laws relating to graffiti and vandalism. "We need tougher laws," Cacciottolo said. "The trouble with graffiti is, these guys get slapped on the hand---and that's a bunch of crap."

► All were reminded about the GRNW's community awareness day and encouraged to bring neighbors and friends. Full details at: http://www.swchicagopost.com/2012/04/garfield-ridge-neighborhood-watch-plans.html

The next GRNW meeting is set for 7:30 p.m. Monday, June 11 at Normandy Park, 6660 West 52nd Street. All Garfield Ridge residents are invited to attend.

Local Crime Roundup

Editor's note: The crime news reported by the Southwest Chicago Post---taken directly from Chicago Police Department incident reports---is not by any means an exhaustive catalogue of all crime reported in the Chicago Lawn (8th) District. For example, it typically does not include news of crimes committed in the eastern and southern sectors of the district---because the Southwest Chicago Post's coverage area is primarily the neighborhoods that border Midway Airport and secondarily because including the relatively large volume of crime news from elsewhere in the district would be a logistical challenge. We make this note to offer a little helpful perspective and remind everyone that while crime is definitely a concern in all parts of the district (as it always has been), crime remains relatively low overall in Sector 1. May all of us work together diligently to keep it that way. We also remind everyone that people charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

* * *

A 49-year-old Archer Heights man and a 50-year-old Clearing man were arrested in connection with the burglary of a garage in the predawn hours of Friday, May 25.



Kazimierz Furczon

 Kazimierz Furczon was charged with felony burglary; and Stanislaw Dudzik was charged with misdemeanor possession of burglary tools.

The men were spotted by police in Dudzik's vehicle---a two-door, brown, 2000 Jeep Cherokee---at 47th and Karlov at about 4:25 a.m. Furczon, sitting in the front passenger seat, matched the description of a man who had just burglarized a garage near 50th and Keeler---which is a block and a half west of Furczon's residence.

Police took them into custody and transported them back to 50th and Keeler, where Furczon was positively identified by the 18-year-old daughter of the home's owner---who said she saw Furczon standing in the open garage with several of her father's belongings moved and stacked near the overhead door, apparently ready to be loaded onto a getaway vehicle.

Those belongings included an air compressor, a cordless drill and battery charger, a tool box and several miscellaneous tools.

The victims told police they discovered the burglary in progress after they noticed their back gate and garage service door open. Both had been closed but unlocked.

* * *

A 34-year-old woman who left her home near 56th and Kostner at about noon Thursday, May 24 to pick up her children from school, returned an hour later to find the home's rear door kicked in and three bedrooms ransacked. She was unable to determine what, if anything, had been stolen.

* * *

A burglar broke through the window of a garage near 47th and Keating and stole a lawnmower, a power weeder and miscellaneous tools at about 2:00 a.m. Thursday, May 24. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 55-year-old man, who is sharing surveillance video of the crime with police.

* * *

Burglars kicked open the service door of a garage near 47th and Kostner and stole two car stereo speakers. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 20-year-old man, at 5:00 a.m. Friday, May 25.

* * *

An attempted aggravated robbery was foiled by a 28-year-old Archer Heights man who refused to hand over his cell phone.

At about 6:50 a.m. Wednesday, May 23, the man was walking on a sidewalk near 48th and Avers when he was approached from behind by a thug brandishing a baseball mini-bat. When his demand for the victim's cell phone was refused, he punched the victim in the right side of the head.

At that point, another person walking nearby apparently frightened the criminal, who then fled while hollering a gang slogan.

The offender was described by a white Hispanic man, 21 years old, 5'6 and 150 pounds, olive complexion, brown eyes, with black hair in a ponytail.

* * *

Burglars entered a garage near 48th and Knox and stole a generator, a power washer, a car jack and a toolbox with tools. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 43-year-old man, at 5:45 a.m. Monday, May 21. He told police that he has forgotten to lock all the locks on his garage door.

* * *

A 21-year-old Gage Park man riding his bike near 52nd and Millard shortly after 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 22 was robbed by four criminals, one of whom brandished a black pistol.

The four robbers pulled up in a dark green, two-door auto. Two men jumped out of the back seat and committed the robbery, taking the victim's bookbag---which contained a cell phone, an iPod and $20 cash.

The victim described all four as white Hispanic men about 18 years old. The two who got out of the car and committed the armed robbery were wearing white t-shirts and beige shorts. One of the two has piercings under his chin.

* * *

Reminder: the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch's big "neighborhood awareness" day is approaching. All are invited. There will be a wealth of crime prevention resources available. Click the link below to learn more.

http://www.swchicagopost.com/2012/04/garfield-ridge-neighborhood-watch-plans.html 

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Letters to the Editor

Editor's note: We respect your opinion and are privileged to share it via this website. All letters to the editor will be reviewed before being posted. We do allow anonymous comments, yet we will not allow the Southwest Chicago Post to serve as a forum for bigotry of any kind. We also will not allow personal attacks against anyone, including elected officials and other public figures. On this site, all of us need to keep our tone respectful and our criticisms constructive. That's important as we work together to build better Southwest Side neighborhoods for all. So please join the conversation by sending your letter to editor@swchicagopost.com.

* * *

Dear Editor,

I liked your video of the Clear Ridge Baseball opening day parade. It's so nice to see the boys and girls of our area having fun. I hope you plan to cover some of the games, and maybe have some footage of our local summer carnivals. There is so much to like about Garfield Ridge and Clearing.

Therese Manzullo
Clearing

Editor's Note: Thank you. We agree. We plan to shoot and post more footage of our local kids.

* * *

Dear Editor,

Thanks for your kind words about Kevin Hickey. He was a good boy. I knew him when he was a youngster back in the old neighborhood. It is sad he died before his time.

Eileen Ryan
Vittum Park

* * *

Editor,

I am glad to see that you are following through on your promise not to be the parrot of the local politicians.

What I see in the other newspapers sickens me. For example, I liked your video of the street dedication to honor the late Commander Kupczyk. But then I read two other local newspapers that printed an article about the dedication---except that they were the exact same articles. I wondered, how can two competing newspapers have exactly the same article? Are they in kahoots with each other?

So I called both papers and asked. One was rude and hung up on me, but the other admitted that the article was not written by them, but "by the alderman." So I asked, why did your newspaper ask an alderman to write a story about a street dedication? The editor replied, we didn't. The story was something that his office sent us. So I asked, why didn't you write a story yourselves? The editor said, we didn't have a reporter available that day.

So then I asked why didn't you put the alderman's name at the top of the story? The editor said, that would be silly.

So I said look, if you print an article and it doesn't have anyone's name on it, can't we assume that one of your reporters wrote it, and that it's not something spoon fed to you by a politician or an advertiser?

There was a long pause and then the editor admitted, "No, you can't."

Game over.

Keep up the good work, Southwest Chicago Post. Stay straight and honest, just as you have been.

* * *

Previously Published Letters

Dear Editor,

Congratulations on your new venture. I wish you success. Thank you for putting together the recent article on the possible long-term effects of sports-related injuries to children. This is something that doesn't get a lot of attention, but should. Too many children---right here in the neighborhood and elsewhere---suffer injuries that go undiagnosed and therefore may not heal properly and which may lead to health problems in the future. As your article pointed out, these problems can often be prevented with prompt diagnosis and a smart regimen of chiropractic care.

Dr. Joseph Coler, DC
Coler Chiropractic

* * *

Dear Editor,

I want to know what's going on with all the tearing up of the streets around here. Sometimes I think it's just so these politically-connected construction companies can make millions of dollars---at our expense.

Anonymous

* * *

Editor,

I see your new publication. I like what I see so far. It looks like you will be different from other neighborhood newspapers in this city that serve as little more than mouthpieces for local politicians. Papers that load up their front pages with pictures of politicians smiling for the camera and glad-handing anyone who will stand still for a photograph. Papers that fill their pages with politicians' press releases and worse, opinion columns written by the politicians in which they brag about how great they are---all in space that could have and should have been used for the people of the neighborhood. It's sad that some newspapers sell their souls to politicians in exchange for the lucrative advertising that appears in their "public notice" classified ad section. They have no credibility.

I hope your paper is different. Keep up the good work and please continue reporting the crime news. It's good to know what's going on.

William "Bill" Barczak

Clearing

(Editor's Note: Thank you, Mr. Barczak. If you like what you see thus far from the Southwest Chicago Post, you'll probably enjoy what's ahead in the weeks and months to come; because it will be more of the same straightfoward, no-frills, honest and accurate news reporting on relevant topics---namely, making the Southwest Side a better place to live for us all---celebrating our community's successes and working to fix what needs fixing. And thanks for your concern about our soul. Rest assured it is safe and strong. While we are appropriately respectful of our local elected officials and the offices they hold, we have no plans to be anyone's parrot. Not us, not ever. Thanks for writing, and please write again soon. Your opinion---and everyone else's---counts.)

William "Bill" Barczak

Clearing

* * *

Editor,

Your online news service is racist. It's obvious. You show all these mug shots of people arrested by the police. Why do you show pictures?  Because the people are not white, and you obviously want to wave their photographs in front of your white readers. Other community newspapers don't do that. Why do you? As an African American woman, I get your message loud and clear. I am going to report you to the Chicago Commission on Human Relations.

Anonymous

Editor's Note: Thank you for sharing your opinion. Please report us to the commission. We'll tell them the same thing we'll tell you. We include mug shots---completely regardless of the race/ethnicity/residence/etc of the person arrested---as quickly and frequently as we can get them from CPD News Affairs; and they, in turn, have clear protocols on when they do and don't release mug shots. For example, they don't release mug shots of juveniles, or adults charged with misdemeanors.

Why do we include mug shots in our crime news? Two reasons, basically. First, it simply helps tell the story better when you put a human face on it. We believe that reporting crime news is not some dry academic exercise. Crime is a very real, flesh-and-blood thing---with real victims and perpetrators, real damage to property and/or lives, and so forth. So yeah, we'll run photos, just as we include the salty language we sometimes find in the narratives of CPD incident reports. We want to give you the news as accurately as we can---so you can get the best possible idea of what went on.

Second, we run as many mug shots as we can as a way to assist police---if only because there's always a chance that you see Joe Blow's mug shot in a story about a burglary (for example) and you might think "Hey---that looks like the guy I saw last week doing such and such." And who knows? Could lead to an otherwise unsolved crime getting solved. That's the same reason we share police notations about unusual clothing, tattoos and scars. It might set off a light bulb in the head of someone reading it.

Finally, as for the way that other neighborhood newspapers do or don't report crime, that's their concern. Why do they not run mug shots, when mug shots are readily available? Why do other papers refuse to run crime news, except on rare occasions when CPD actually writes the story and emails it to them? Ask them. We certainly don't measure ourselves by their yardsticks. We report the news the way we believe it should be reported---and judging from the strong and positive response we have received in just nine short weeks of operation, we're confident we're on the right track.

Local Crime Roundup

Editor's note: The crime news reported by the Southwest Chicago Post---taken directly from Chicago Police Department incident reports---is not by any means an exhaustive catalogue of all crime reported in the Chicago Lawn (8th) District. For example, it typically does not include news of crimes committed in the eastern and southern sectors of the district---because the Southwest Chicago Post's coverage area is primarily the neighborhoods that border Midway Airport and secondarily because including the relatively large volume of crime news from elsewhere in the district would be a logistical challenge. We make this note to offer a little helpful perspective and remind everyone that while crime is definitely a concern in all parts of the district (as it always has been), crime remains relatively low overall in Sector 1. May all of us work together diligently to keep it that way.

* * *



Avery Hern

 Swift response by police led to a pre-dawn chase and arrest of a 24-year-old Roseland man in connection with an attempted burglary at a currency exchange in Clearing on Friday, May 18.

Police responding to a "burglary in progress" call at about 4:00 a.m. say they saw Avery Hern use a crowbar to smash a window on the north side of the Clearing Currency Exchange, 6401 South Central, and then poke his arm inside in an attempt to get inside.



Clearing Currency Exchange

 Upon seeing police, Hern allegedly fled--dropping an iPhone on the south side of the building and then running west, where he reportedly dropped the crowbar in a back yard at 5629 West 64th Street. He was caught at 5610 West 63rd Street and brought back to the currency exchange, where he was positively identified by the officer who first saw him.

* * *

An alert neighbor who saw something suspicious and took action quickly on Thursday, May 17 led to the arrest of two 16-year-old West Englewood boys in connection with the burglary of a home near 77th and Pulaski.

The neighbor, a 46-year-old woman, saw the two boys walking up and down the driveway of her next door neighbor's house, at about 11:00 a.m. The owner of the home, a 40-year-old woman, was not home at the time.

The neighbor then saw the boys pulling on a rear window, getting it open and one of them crawling inside.

The woman called her husband to alert him. Police were also contacted.

The boy then emerged from the window and walked away with his accomplice, heading north on Pulaski. Police responding saw the two boys matching the description given and took them into custody. They were brought back to the home, where the neighbor positively identified them.

The neighbor then called the owner of the house that had been broken into, who came home immediately and was unable to determine if anything had been stolen. The burglars had triggered an alarm inside the home, which may explain the burglars' quick exit.

* * *

A 24-year-old West Lawn man was beaten and robbed by two thugs, as he lay on the sidewalk, in front of his six-year-old step-daughter and 18-month-old son, at 3:10 p.m. Friday, May 18.

He was pushing his son's stroller and walking home from his step-daughter's school when he saw two men in a car on 59th Street, watching him. The vehicle was a black, four-door car (possibly a Pontiac Grand Prix) with a sun roof.

A few minutes later, the two men emerged from a gangway next to 5932 South Tripp. The first offender asked the victim if he is in a gang. The man said he is not---and then the first offender lunged at him, attempting to snatch a gold chain off his neck.

The victim blocked the offender's hand and asked them to leave him and his children alone. At that moment, the second offender hit him in the back with a tire iron. The victim fell to the sidewalk, and the first offender yanked the chain off his neck.

The criminals then fled back through the gangway, jumped into their car and drove away south through the alley.

The victim described his assailants as white Hispanic men, 18-24 years old, 5'5 to 5'9, 190-210 pounds. The first offender had a bald hair style and was wearing a red shirt and blue jeans. The second offender had a crew cut hair style on top with bald sides, and he was wearing a blue shirt and blue jeans.

* * *

Two thugs robbed a 10-year-old Scottsdale boy as he played basketball at Durkin Park, 8445 South Kolin, shortly after 5:00 p.m. Friday, May 18.

The boy was approached by two men who asked, "Do you know if there are any good stores around here?" They then lunged at him and tried to rip a gold chain off his neck.

The boy resisted and called out for help. The attackers failed to get the gold chain, but did rip a religious pendant off his neck before fleeing on foot, south from the park.

The victim ran home, and his 44-year-old mother called police.

The attackers were described as white Hispanic men, 18-22 years old, 150-160 pounds, with short brown hair. One attacker was wearing a white tank top, gray sweatpants and an orange bandana; the other wore a red-and-black Chicago Bulls jersey (number 3) and blue jeans.

* * *

Two men were shot in an apparent gang-related attack at 10:30 p.m. Thursday, May 17 at a stop light at 7101 South Cicero.

A white, four-door 2003 Nissan carrying several gang members and friends was stopped at the light, when another vehicle pulled alongside---and its occupants fired shots at the first vehicle.

Shot in the stomach was an 18-year-old West Lawn man. Shot in the hip was a 23-year-old Burbank man. They did not call for police or paramedics, but drove themselves to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where they were questioned by police.

They did not give police a description of the offenders, claiming they could not see anything because their attackers' vehicle was dark colored with tinted windows.

* * *

Burglars pried open the overhead door of a garage near 44th and Kedvale and stole a lawnmower.

The crime was discovered by the victim, an 88-year-old man, at 1:50 a.m. Saturday, May 19.

* * *

Burglars broke into a garage near 56th Place and Hamlin, removed a house ladder and placed it against the house at the same address in an unsuccessful attempt to gain access to the home via the attic. They then broke into the house via the rear door, ransacking the home and stealing one home theater system, two flat-screen TVs, three laptop computers, a Nintendo Wii gaming system, an Apple iPod, assorted jewelry, seven bottles of imported tequila and $800 cash.

The crime was discovered by a 38-year-old man who lives at the address at 4:35 p.m. Friday, May 18. He then notified the owner of the home, a 30-year-old woman, who was at work at the time.

* * *

Burglars cut the lock and latch off the service door of a garage near 48th and Keating and stole a lawnmower, a flat-screen TV, an xBox gaming system and miscellaneous jewelry.

The crime was discovered by the victim, a 28-year-old woman, at 9:00 a.m. Friday, May 18.

* * *

Burglars entered the side door of a garage near 68th and Lawndale and stole six bicycles, four chrome rims with tires, a lawnmower, a leaf blower, a power washer, an electric saw, miscellaneous tools and a pop-up tent.

The crime was discovered by the victim, a 39-year-old man, at 7:20 a.m. Friday, May 18. There was no apparent sign of forced entry, and the victim told police he may have left the door unlocked.

* * *

All those who were not able to attend the Chicago Police Department's burglary prevention seminar at Daley College are invited to watch 40 minutes' worth of the event, packed with useful advice, on the Southwest Chicago Post's YouTube channel:

www.youtube.com/SouthwestChicagoPost

# # #

  

Archer Heights Civic Association Continues Aggressive Membership Push

The Archer Heights Civic Association, one of the oldest and most successful community organizations in Chicago, continues to aggressively maintain and build its membership roster, AHCA officials announced at the group's May meeting.



Thomas Baliga provides AHCA membership update.

 According to an update provided by AHCA Executive Director Thomas Baliga, the group:

** is using Cook County property transfer records to contact new owners of residential property in the community.

** utilizes Chicago Board of Elections polling sheets to contact voters who are not yet AHCA members.

** recruits new members at its own monthly meetings and at special events like a recent Easter egg hunt at Archer Park.

** pays personal calls to local business to encourage them to join.

** hand delivers its monthly newsletter to select blocks in the community. Each newsletter has a special invitation stamped on the front page, plus a bright color invite attachment on the front of the folded newsletter. So far in 2012, this year approximately 1,970 newsletters have been hand delivered by the AHCA---above and beyond the 750 newsletters that are mailed out each month to AHCA members.

AHCA officials estimate that they reach about 2,500 people each month, of the estimated 6,000 people living in the neighborhood---a percentage almost unheard of in most city neighborhoods that have civic associations.

"We are very aggressively recruiting members," Baliga added. "But our best ambassadors are our existing members, and we're urging them to recruit their neighbors and friends in the community. Several current members have already done this, and we are grateful to them for this effort."

In other business at the AHCA meeting:

** Members heard a presentation on the Historic Chicago Bungalow Association, a not-for-profit organization that celebrates and promotes preservation of the city's estimated 80,000 bungalows---which comprise nearly one-third of Chicago's single-family housing stock. HCBA members have access to resources that can help them restore their bungalows and make them more energy efficient. Some of those resources include government grants. Many of the single-family homes in Archer Heights are bungalows. For full details, visit http://www.chicagobungalow.org/.



(L-R) Thomas Baliga, John Rapacz, Stan Lihosit

 ** Leaders congratulated AHCA member John Rapacz on winning election to the Local School Council at Curie High School. They noted that Curie's LSC has not had an AHCA member on it in at least several years. (AHCA President Stan Lihosit had served as Curie LSC president for a dozen years, when his sons attended the school.) Rapacz, who grew up in Garfield Ridge and graduated from Kennedy High School, lived in Brighton Park until last summer, when he moved to Archer Heights.

** Members heard about ACHA efforts to stay on top of properties that pose a concern, including a situation near 53rd and Kenneth involving storage of construction vehicles; and a recently-closed business near 48th and Knox.

** AHCA Building and Zoning Committee Chairman George Vescovi expressed frustration over the failure of city officials to investigate AHCA reports of possible zoning violations. "We have three addresses we gave them last June, and they still haven't been inspected," he stated. "I don't know who these (zoning) inspectors are or who's in charge of the zoning department; but we need to get them out here at our meeting to explain themselves." The Southwest Chicago Post has contacted Chicago Buildings Department Commissioner Michael Merchant for a response.




Commander David R. McNaughton

 Also at the meeting, AHCA officials made several pitches for membership enrollment, which is $10 per year. Simple registration forms can be found in the ACHA’s monthly newsletter, a six-page publication packed with updates on the group’s effort to fight crime and blight and promote a safer and more prosperous community.

To learn more about the AHCA, call 773-843-2232 or attend the next meeting, set for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 13 at the UNO Veterans Memorial Campus, 47th & Kildare. Guest speaker is Chicago Police Department Eighth District Commander David R. McNaughton.

AHCA meetings are always the second Wednesday of the month, with the exception of July and August, and always start at 7:30 p.m. All Archer Heights residents are encouraged to attend.

# # #

Local Crime Roundup

Editor's note: The crime news reported by the Southwest Chicago Post---taken directly from Chicago Police Department incident reports---is not by any means an exhaustive catalogue of all crime reported in the Chicago Lawn (8th) District. For example, it typically does not include news of crimes committed in the eastern and southern sectors of the district---because the Southwest Chicago Post's coverage area is primarily the neighborhoods that border Midway Airport and secondarily because including the relatively large volume of crime news from elsewhere in the district would be a logistical challenge. We make this note to offer a little helpful perspective and remind everyone that while crime is definitely a concern in all parts of the district (as it always has been), crime remains relatively low overall in Sector 1. May all of us work together diligently to keep it that way.

* * *

A 27-year-old reputed gangbanger from the Ashburn neighborhood was arrested at about 9:15 p.m. Tuesday, May 15 after allegedly hitting a police officer.

Jaime Rodriguez was one of four men reportedly flashing gang signs and shouting gang slogans in front of a vacant building at 5954 South Maplewood. The other three were a 22-year-old Archer Heights man, a 23-year-old Gage Park man and a 34-year-old man from the Southeast Side.



Jaime Rodriguez

Police say that when the four saw them approaching, they started walking away in opposite directions. Rodriguez allegedly struck an officer on her right hand, and then adopted a fighting stance while hollering, "F~ck you, b~tch. Let's go!" In response, the officer used a Taser electroshock weapon in an attempt to subdue Rodriguez.

He then reportedly fell to the ground on his stomach, but kept his hands in his waistband (implying he had a weapon), according to police. The officer ordered him to take his hands out of his waistband and put them behind his back. When he refused, he was Tasered a second time and then put his left hand behind his back---but kept his right in his waistband. The officer Tasered him a third time---after which he put both hands behind his back and was handcuffed.

As Rodriguez was searched by the arresting officer, he allegedly said, "I'm gonna get you, white b~tch motherf~cker" and then spat on her.

* * *

An 18-year-old West Lawn woman was arrested in mid-afternoon Monday, May 14 in connection with a strong-arm robbery that occurred in a home near 59th and Kostner.




Yacziri Delgado

 Yacziri Delgado was accused of yanking a gold chain off the neck of a 26-year-old woman and fleeing. A 31-year-old man who witnessed the crime said he followed the offender to a home near 61st and Kildare, where she went inside.

Police patrolling the area later saw a woman matching the description of the offender, walking on the sidewalk in front of 4420 West 59th Street. They apprehended Delgado and searched her, finding a gold chain hidden in her bra---which the victim identified as hers. Police searched Delgado's purse and found a total of three grams of cannabis inside.

* * *

A 39-year-old construction worker returning to his home near 48th and Kostner at 5:40 a.m. Wednesday, May 16 discovered that burglars had kicked in the garage service door and stolen about $2,000 worth of his construction tools, as well as a $5,000 paint sprayer pump belonging to his employer, a Romeoville-based construction company.

* * *

Burglars broke into a rear bedroom window of a home near 51st and Ridgeway and stole two diamond engagement rings and a wedding ring from a jewelry box in the bedroom.

The crime was discovered by the victim, an 84-year-old woman, at 2:30 p.m. Monday, May 14 after she returned home from the hospital.

* * *

Burglars smashed a kitchen window of a home near 61st and Springfield and crawled inside, leaving a trail of blood drops in the kitchen and a rear bedroom; but apparently only stole a case of Coca-Cola.

The crime was discovered by the victim, a 60-year-old man, at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 16.

* * *

A thug yanked a gold chain (with a gold heart pendant) off the neck of a 46-year-old Archer Heights woman as she walked through the parking lot at the Gilmart grocery store, 5050 South Archer, at 5:20 p.m. Tuesday, May 15.

The robber ran up to the victim from behind, flashed a small pocket knife, pulled the chain off her neck and fled on foot west through the adjacent alley---and then north through the alley between Karlov and Kedvale.

The victim described him as a white Hispanic man, age 17-21, 5'5 and 140 pounds, brown eyes and black hair, medium complexion, wearing a blue and white hooded sweatshirt, green shorts and black and white gym shoes.

* * *

Two thieves stole a lawnmower and a grass trimmer from a garage near 58th and Tripp in the late morning of Tuesday, May 15.

The crime was discovered by the victim, a 55-year-old man, at about noon.

A neighbor who lives across the street from the victim said he had earlier seen two men at the victim's home, but assumed they were friends. He described one man as a white Hispanic man, 25 years old, 6'0 and 210 pounds; and the other as a black man, with no other details.

The victim told police that there was no sign of forced entry because he had left the garage's service door unlocked.

* * *

Burglars entered a home near 64th and Lorel and stole about 80 movies on DVDs, 15 bracelets, three autographed photos of Chicago Bears legend Gale Sayers, and an antique bong (a filtration device generally used for smoking cannabis, tobacco or other herbal substances).

The crime was discovered by the victim, 49-year-old woman, at 11:15 a.m. Tuesday, May 15. She told police that when she came home, she noticed that her home's back door was unlocked. She said that her son had misplaced his house keys several days before; and that she suspects his friends of committing the crime.

* * *

An 18-year-old reputed gang member from Archer Heights was arrested on Tuesday, May 15 for illegal possession of a handgun and drugs.



File photo---example only.

 Acting on a tip, police obtained a search warrant and placed the home of Eric "Reaper" Gamino under surveillance from about 3:00 p.m. They observed him walking out of the gangway to the front of the home (4935 South Komensky) and looking up and down the street. He then walked back into the gangway. He and another man then got on bicycles and rode away.

They returned a short time later and sat on the front porch for a while before walking to the back of the house---out of view of police surveillance.

When police walked to the rear of the house, they announced themselves and presented the search warrant. Gamino had apparently left and was not there, police said. They then searched the home and found a loaded, chrome/nickel plated pistol under a shirt on a bed. They also found 29 grams of cannabis in an empty AriZona Iced Tea can with a false lid.

Police spoke with Gamino's mother, who called him and told him to come home. He did, and was placed under arrest. According to police, he told them that the cannabis was for his own personal use and that he had purchased the gun recently for $250 from a man in the neighborhood---for his own protection.

# # #

History Walking Tour Set for June 2nd at Chicago Portage Site at 48th and Harlem

All are invited to a free walking tour of the Chicago Portage National Historic Site, 4800 South Harlem, set for 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 2.



Statue depicting early explorers at the Chicago Portage.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Chicago Portage historical group, the tour will be led by veteran tour guide Jeff Carter, who will talk about the “Birth Story of Chicago” from the geological beginnings of the Portage to how it is still functioning in Chicago today.


The tour is approximately a half mile in length on a gravel path through the woods. It will take about two hours. Those taking part are advised to wear long pants and walking shoes or boots. The tour will be held rain or shine.

One of only two national historic sites in Illinois, the Chicago Portage National Historic site is said to be the only place where people today can stand on the same ground walked by all the early explorers, early settlers and creators of Chicago.

The late Chicago Tribune columnist John Husar, after touring the site, called it “Our sacred ground."

For more information call Gary Mechanic at 773-590-0710 or visit www.chicagoportage.org.

Friends of the Chicago Portage promotes the historic interpretation, ecological restoration and appropriate development of the Chicago Portage National Historic Site through volunteer advocacy, public events and other projects that raise public awareness of the site’s history and significance.

# # #

Local Crime Roundup

Editor's note: The crime news reported by the Southwest Chicago Post---taken directly from Chicago Police Department incident reports---is not by any means an exhaustive catalogue of all crime reported in the Chicago Lawn (8th) District. For example, it typically does not include news of crimes committed in the eastern and southern sectors of the district---because the Southwest Chicago Post's coverage area is primarily the neighborhoods that border Midway Airport and secondarily because including the relatively large volume of crime news from elsewhere in the district would be a logistical challenge. We make this note to offer a little helpful perspective and remind everyone that while crime is definitely a concern in all parts of the district (as it always has been), crime remains relatively low overall in Sector 1. May all of us work together diligently to keep it that way.

* * *

Marcus Hill


A 30-year-old Auburn Gresham man who told police he needed "a few bucks" to buy his son a birthday present was arrested in connection with the burglary and attempted theft of $1,350 worth of copper wire from a ComEd facility at 76th and Lawndale.

Marcus Hill, along with 19-year-old Roseland resident Kristofer Smith, were apprehended by police shortly after 3:00 a.m. Monday, May 14.



Kristofer Smith

 According to police, a ComEd security guard spotted Hill using a bolt cutter to slice through a chain link fence on the  facility's eastern boundary. He and Smith then allegedly walked into the parking lot and took a total of nine spools of insulated, stranded copper wire off ComEd trucks and carried them just outside the fence.

When police arrived on the scene, Hill and Smith fled and attempted to escape via the western section of the parking lot, but were caught and cuffed.

* * *

Burglars used a chunk of concrete to smash a front door window at a local dentist's office, and then stole a 55-inch LCD TV and two aluminum drinking fountains.

The crime occurred at 4:45 a.m. Sunday, May 13 at Smile Dental Care, 7011 West Archer.

The burglar alarm was triggered, but the criminals exited out the back door and escaped before police arrived. Police report that they are attempting to get images of the offenders from the office's security camera, as well as a City of Chicago surveillance camera mounted on a pole near Archer and Sayre.

* * *

A 22-year-old West Lawn man was hit with an aluminum baseball bat and robbed of his Sony Walkman audio player, just after 1:00 a.m. Friday, May 11.

He told police he was jogging north near 64th and Tripp---about two blocks from his home---when a tan-colored, four-door Dodge sedan pulled up. Three thugs got out, hit him with a baseball bat on his hand and the right side of his head, took his Walkman, ran back into the car and drove away. The victim added that the fleeing car rolled over his foot as the offenders made their escape. Police noted swelling on the victim's head and hand, but he refused treatment and gave police no description of the offenders.

* * *

A burglar tried but failed to pry open the service door of a garage near 60th and Mason, damaging the door and frame. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 50-year-old woman, at 10:45 a.m. Sunday, May 13.

* * *

 A 45-year-old Scottsdale man left his home at about noon Sunday, May 13 to visit relatives; and five hours later received a call from his 18-year-old son, telling him that valuables were missing from their house near 77th Place and Kostner..

Stolen were a flat screen TV, a laptop comptuer, an Xbox gaming system, and a vehicle title.

There were no signs of forced entry, and the victim told police he thought the home's rear door may have been left unlocked by accident.

* * *

Burglars pried open the service door of a garage near 58th Place and Komensky and stole a tool box, assorted tools, plastic chairs and two auto lifts. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 57-year-old man, at 5:00 p.m. Friday, May 11.

* * *

Burglars pried open the service door of a garage near 60th and Mobile and stole an air compressor, a tile cutter, a vacuum, a steamer, a leaf blower and a paint sprayer. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 55-year-old man, at 7:00 a.m. Saturday, May 12.

* * *

Burglars forced open the service door of a garage near 62nd and Menard and stole a stereo radio/CD player from a 2000 Chevrolet Blazer parked inside. The victim, a 62-year-old man, discovered the crime at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 12 and told police that he had left the driver's side window of the SUV half open.

* * *

Burglars kicked open the service door of a garage near 47th and Kenneth and stole an air compressor, two grinders, a laser saw, a pressure washer and assorted tools. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 30-year-old man, at 9:00 a.m. Friday, May 11.

* * *

Burglars pried open the side door of a home near 75th Place and Springfield and stole assorted jewelry from a bedroom. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 62-year-old woman, when she came home at 9:45 p.m. Friday, May 11. Not sure if the criminals were still inside her home, she called 911 and waited for police to secure the premises.

* * *

Burglars removed several slats from the window of a garage near 61st and Rutherford, crawled through, broke into locked storage cabinets and stole over 100 chrome tools, a lawn mower and a snowblower. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 61-year-old man, at about 6:00 p.m. Thursday, May 10.

* * *

In a crime apparently committed by gang members intent on insulting a rival gang, several vandals entered a vacant home near 77th and Knox (via an unlocked window) and spray painted gang symbols with upside-down crowns and pitchforks throughout the house, which is owned by Wells Fargo Bank and is being rehabbed by a contractor.

The crime was discovered by the rehabber, a 43-year-old Chicago Lawn man, at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 9. Police investigating the incident were told by a neighbor that he had seen the vandals the previous night and had scared them away by confronting them and hollering at them.

The vandals left behind an empty can of spray paint and several empty bottles of Hennessy cognac. They also stole a five-gallon bucket of paint, according to the rehabber.

# # #

Local Crime Roundup

Editor's note: The crime news reported by the Southwest Chicago Post---taken directly from Chicago Police Department incident reports---is not by any means an exhaustive catalogue of all crime reported in the Chicago Lawn (8th) District. For example, it typically does not include news of crimes committed in the eastern and southern sectors of the district---because the Southwest Chicago Post's coverage area is primarily the neighborhoods that border Midway Airport and secondarily because including the relatively large volume of crime news from elsewhere in the district would be a logistical challenge. We make this note to offer a little helpful perspective and remind everyone that while crime is definitely a concern in all parts of the district (as it always has been), crime remains relatively low overall in Sector 1. May all of us work together diligently to keep it that way.

* * *

Swift and smart policing has led to the arrest of two local reputed gang members and the recovery of well over $1,000 in cash and valuables stolen on Tuesday, May 8 from the Clearing Men's Club, 5752 West 63rd Place.

Timothy Peckler

Charged with burglary is Clearing resident Timothy Peckler, 26, who is scheduled to appear in Cook County Circuit Court Branch 48-4, 155 West 51st Street, at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 15.

Also charged (burglary and misdemeanor theft of lost/mislaid property) is a 17-year-old Clearing resident who was scheduled to appear in Cook County Circuit Court Branch 48-4 on Wednesday, May 9.

Responding to a citizen call to 911 about two suspicious men in an alley, dragging a garbage can filled with appliances, police report that they saw Peckler and a 19-year-old Clearing man---also a reputed gang member---with the garbage can.

Peckler fled when he saw police. He was apprehended after a brief foot chase and brought back to the scene. According to police, Peckler's companion stated that his 17-year-old brother (also a reputed gang member) and Peckler were in possession of stolen merchandise. He led police to his home near 64th and Major, where his 41-year-old mother allowed police to enter and conduct a search of the premises.

The search uncovered a cache of items that might typically be found in a tavern---including 14 bottles of alcoholic beverages, a 37-inch radio/TV/VCR, a Bose Wave music system, and more than 10 dozen individual packages of snack items.

Aware that the Clearing Men's Club, 5752 West 63rd Place, is a short walk from the home, police decided to investigate and found the club's back door pried open and the premises ransacked. They contacted a club officer, a 52-year-old man, who confirmed that the merchandise in the home near 64th and Major had been stolen from the men's club. Additionally, the club representative reported that a total of $1,082 cash had been stolen from three different locations in the club. That cash was recovered from the home.

Also found at the house was a mixer that had been stolen in a local garage burglary several weeks ago. Police contacted the victim, who identified it as his and took possession of it.

* * *

A 24-year-old Clearing man has been arrested and charged in connection with a string of armed robberies committed against cab drivers.


Mark Mascorro


Mark Mascorro is charged with three counts of armed robbery and is scheduled to appear in Cook County Circuit Court Branch 48-4, 155 West 51st Street, on Wednesday, May 16.

In the most recent of the three crimes, Mascorro reportedly called for a cab on the North Side and asked to be driven to an address in Clearing. When the taxi neared the destination, Mascorro then changed the destination to an address near his home near 63rd and Newland, police said. When the vehicle stopped, he allegedly pulled a handgun and robbed the driver of $155.


The dots got connected when police responded to a call of a cab driver who just been robbed of $155 at gunpoint at 2:21 a.m. Wednesday, May 9 near 63rd Place and Newland.


Aware of a string of recent taxicab robberies at that location, police showed the victim a taxi surveillance photo of a man who had recently robbed a cab driver there. The victim said the man in the photo was the same thug who had robbed him.


Police then went to Mascorro's house (near 63rd and Newland) to inform him that he was a person of interest in a recent string of armed robberies. They were met at the door by Mascorro's brother, who let police in and led them to the basement, where Mascorro was. He was escorted outside, where was positively identified by the victim.


At that point, police said that Mascorro admitted guilt and showed police where he had stashed the $155 (under a bathroom sink) and where in the furnace room he had stashed his semiautomatic, blue-steel handgun, which was loaded.




* * *


Burglars broke in a rear window of a home near 61st and Kildare and stole a 27-inch flat-screen TV, a laptop computer, a Sony PlayStation 3, and various jewelry (chains, bracelets, rings and earrings). The crime was discovered at 12:45 p.m. Tuesday, May 8 by the victim, a 31-year-old woman, who returned home, saw an open door and mistakenly assumed that her daughter had returned from school. Upon seeing the home ransacked, she fled the premises and called 911, waiting for police to arrive.


* * *


Burglars broke in a rear window of a home near 60th Place and Springfield and stole an LCD TV, an assortment of jewelry and $1,500 cash. The crime was discovered at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 8 by the victim, a 56-year-old woman returning home from work. Police responding to the call found a chair placed under the rear window and broken glass on the ground.


* * *


A 14-year-old Clearing boy was taken into custody by police in the early afternoon Monday, May 7 after he allegedly cut a classmate with a razor blade during class at Grimes Elementary School, 5450 West 64th Place. The victim, a 13-year-old Clearing boy, suffered cuts on his upper right arm and two fingers of his left hand and was picked up from school by his mother.


* * *


Three men were arrested in connection with a fight with police officers outside a home near 48th and Springfield. Responding at 2:40 a.m. Tuesday, May 8 to a call of several men drinking on the sidewalk and disturbing the peace by talking loudly, officers encountered two men drinking cans of Modelo beer, as well as an open case of Modelo nearby. Upon seeing police, one of the men allegedly became defiant and shouted, "F~ck you. We ain't doing sh~t. We are in front of my house. You can't do sh~t."


When the men refused to respond to the officers' request for identification, the officers began to place them under arrest. During the pat-down, police report, one of the men suddenly resisted, kicking and punching one of the officers in an attempt to escape. The other man attempted to flee into the house, but was tackled on the porch by the other officer.


After brief struggles, both men were subdued and handcuffed. In the struggle, one of the two officers suffered a dislocated shoulder and was transported to Advocate Christ Medical Center.

Mersed Villa

Arrested and charged with aggravated battery was 26-year-old Mersed Villa, a West Lawn resident. Arrested and charged with a misdemeanor offense was 24-year-old Michael Ayala of Archer Heights. Police also cited Ayala's father, 67-year-old Marcelino Ayala, for attempting to interfere with the younger Ayala's arrest.


* * *


Burglars broke into a garage near 57th and Parkside and stole assorted hand tools and an air compressor. The crime was discovered at 7:00 a.m. Monday, May 7 by a neighbor, who alerted the victim, a 64-year-old woman.


* * *


Forty-three-year-old James Miller from suburban Bridgeview was arrested and charged with burglarizing a garage near 66th and Kedvale at around 8:00 a.m. Monday, May 7. Police report that they saw Miller exiting the open garage and driving away in a black Chevrolet Malibu. They pulled the car over in front of 6255 South Pulaski--in the shadow of West Lawn's famous, giant statue of a cigar-store Indian--to investigate and saw a hydraulic floor jack on the seat of Miller's car.


Miller admitted being at the garage, but claimed he was there with permission and to put antifreeze in his car's radiator. Additionally, he claimed that he saw the jack next to a garbage can and assumed it was discarded. Police also found a pry bar in Miller's car.


James Miller


Miller was transported back to the garage, where officers discovered that the overhead door had been pried open, with some of its wheels off the tracks.


The 40-year-old owner of the garage denied that Miller had permission to use the garage; and a 29-year-old resident of the address claimed the jack as his.


* * *


A 52-year-old taxi driver from suburban Palos Hills was robbed at 6:00 a.m. Monday, May 7 near 61st and Kedvale. He had picked up his passenger a short time earlier at 63rd and Archer Road in Summit. The passenger asked to be driven to a home near 60th Street and 76th Avenue. He went into that building for a couple of minutes and then returned to the cab, asking to be taken to 61st and Kedvale.


Upon arrival, the passenger got out and began arguing over the fare. He struck the cab driver across the face and hand with a broken bottle. He then reached in and grabbed $300 cash and fled. The cab driver ran after him down an alley. The two scuffled, the robber dropped the cash and fled through a gangway at 6122 South Kedvale, leaving a trail of blood.


Police arrived to investigate, and a Chicago Fire Department ambulance provided first aid to the victim. Police then transported the cab driver to the residence in Summit, where they were met by Summit Police. A man answering the door said that a co-worker who comes and goes at the address may be the person police were seeking. He provided the co-worker's name and the name of the wheel and tire shop in Summit where they work. Police visited the shop, only to be told the man they were seeking did not show up for work as scheduled.


* * *


Two men from the Little Village neighborhood were arrested in connection with an armed robbery that occurred at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, May 6 at 49th and Pulaski.

Gregorio Reyna




Victor Molinar


The victim, a 29-year-old cook from the Little Village neighborhood, was waiting for a northbound bus at 4901 S. Pulaski when four men in a black, two-door, 1990 Pontiac Firebird pulled up. One of the men was brandishing a hand gun partially concealed with a green shirt draped over it. The man holding the gun ordered the victim (in Spanish) "Give me your phone and all your money, or I'll shoot you."


The victim surrendered his cell phone and $7 cash, and the car drove away north on Pulaski.


Chicago Police sent out a "flash" message to alert units in nearby districts, and police in the 10th District spotted a car matching the description near 26th and St. Louis, and the car was pulled over near 25th and Homan. The victim positively identified the men in the car.




Police found $7 cash in the right front pocket of one of the men. A BB gun was found wedged between the driver's seat and center console, and a green shirt was recovered.


Arrested and charged were Gregorio Reyna, 30, Victor Molinar, 34. Both are reputed gang members, and police noted a "Trust No B~tch, Love No Ho" tattoo on Reyna's lower left arm.


Police questioned the other two men in the car, who said that shortly after the robbery, Molinar had removed the battery from the victim's cell phone, to disable the tracking device.


They also stated that Reyna sold the cell phone for $100 and a Chicago White Sox cap to a salesman at El Barrio Shop, 3414 West 26th Street, and then gave $20 to Molinar.


Police further noted that $20 had fallen out of Molinar's pants when he got out of the car.


Police then visited the store and recovered the victim's cell phone.


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Burglars broke a rear window of St. Peter Lutheran Church, 8550 South Kedvale, stole a public address system and destroyed a camera system. The crime was discovered at 8:00 a.m. Sunday, May 6 by a 73-year-old church trustee.


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Burglars broke into a home near 64th and Lorel and stole a 38-inch TV, a 42-inch TV, a VCR and an Xbox 360 game system. The crime was discovered at 1:40 p.m. Sunday, May 6 by the victim, a 48-year-old woman who had been away for the weekend.


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A burglar broke into a home near 57th Place and Hamlin on Sunday, May 6 and stole a 36-inch flat screen TV. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 22-year-old woman, when she awoke from a nap at 3:30 p.m. and saw the burglar standing over her and holding the TV. He fled out a side door, which he had broken into. The victim described the burglar as a white man, 5'7 and 160 pounds, with short black hair and a light complexion.

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A 32-year-old man who took his family for a day of shopping on Sunday, May 6 returned to his home near 53rd and Tripp at 6:00 p.m. to find a basement window open and a bedroom ransacked. Stolen were seven gold bracelets, 2 gold rings, six gold necklaces, and a set of spare keys to the house.

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Burglars forced open the rear door of a house near 61st and Kenneth and stole two TVs, a laptop computer, Xbox and PlayStation gaming systems, a man's watch and miscellaneous jewelry. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 33-year-old man, when he arrived home at 9:00 p.m. Sunday, May 6.

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