Crime News Update

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.

* * *

A cluster of police and fire vehicles in front of Southwest Dermatology, 7123 West Archer,

7123 West Archer

snarled traffic for a while as motorists slowed down to get a look.

According to police, at about 10:40 a.m. Saturday, July 27, a "high risk" patient complaining of pain caused a disturbance and refused to leave the office. (Editor's note: please see "comment" information below, in which someone posting anonymously claims that a detail provided by police is inaccurate.)

In the end, no arrest was made, and Chicago Fire Department paramedics brought the man out and transported him away from the scene.

* * *

A 22-year-old Scottsdale man sitting on a bench at Rainey Park, 4350 West 79th Street, was robbed at gunpoint by a thug on a bicycle.

The incident occurred at 6:40 p.m. Friday, July 26. The victim told police he was talking on his cell phone with his girlfriend when the offender rode up, flashed a small black revolver and said "Give me everything you've got."

The victim surrendered his cell phone and wallet, which reportedly contained $40 cash and a driver's license. The offender then rode away. The criminal is described as a black man age 20-22, 5'5 to 5'8 and 140-160 pounds, brown eyes, short black hair, medium complexion, wearing a black and red baseball cap and a red hoody.

* * *

Want to work directly with Chicago Police to prevent crime in your neighborhood? If you live

in Beat 834 (see map), come to Bogan High School at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, August 1. Hear updates on crime in your neighborhood and learn how you can work with neighbors and police to make the community safer and better for all.

* * *

A 22-year-old Oak Lawn woman was robbed at gunpoint on a sidewalk just west of 76th and Cicero at 10:40 p.m. Friday, July 26.

The woman was walking east when a car with three criminals pulled up. Two jumped out and accosted her. One brandished a black hand gun and said "Give me your stuff." The woman surrendered her cell phone, restaurant uniform and purse with credit cards, house keys and $200 cash.

The robbers fled east in their car, described as a black, four-door Oldsmobile. They are described as black men, 5'7 to 5'9 and 150-160 pounds, black hair.

* * *

advertisement

advertisement

* * *

A 19-year-old woman foiled a burglary in her home near 51st and Springfield.

At about 12:20 p.m. Friday, July 26, the woman heard the door bell ring. She walked to the front door and through the peep hole saw two men. She did not answer and watched them get into an older model blue vehicle and leave.

A short time later, she was upstairs when she heard noises below her, as well as the family dog barking non-stop. She came down to investigate and walked in on the two men. They fled out the side door when they saw her.

Nothing was stolen, and the victim described them as white men age 32-34. One was 5'7, light complexion and long brown hair. The other was 6'0 and 165 pounds, brown eyes, short black hair, light complexion.

* * *

Want to join your neighbors in a public show of strength against crime? Take part in the National Night Out Against Crime, set for Tuesday, August 6. Mark your calendar and make plans to participate! Click here for details.

* * *

Burglars pushed open the service door of a garage near 66th and Komensky and stole a lawn mower. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 36-year-old woman, at 5:30 a.m. Monday, July 29.

* * *

Burglars opened the overhead door of a garage near 46th and Keating and stole a lawn mower. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 54-year-old man, at 5:00 p.m. Saturday, July 27.

* * *

Burglars entered a home near 86th and Kolmar and stole assorted jewelry, an Xbox and assorted video games, and $700 cash. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 33-year-old man, when he came home from work at 12:45 p.m. Thursday, July 25. Police said there was no sign of forced entry at the home.

* * *

advertisement

advertisement

* * *

Burglars entered the back window of a home near 85th and Kolmar and stole a laptop computer and a purse. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 31-year-old woman, when she came home from work at 7:10 p.m. Tuesday, July 23.

* * *

Burglars forced open the service door of a garage near 50th and Karlov and stole four bicycles, a ladder and 25 action-figure toys. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 41-

year-old man, at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 23.

* * *

Burglars forced open the service door of a garage near 47th and Keeler and stole a tree trimmer, a weed trimmer, two leaf blowers, an air compressor, a miter saw, two power drills and a tool box with tools inside. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 41-year-old man, at 5:20 a.m. Tuesday, July 23.

* * *

Burglars kicked in the service door of a garage near 52nd and Kolin and stole an air compressor, a lawn mower, a battery charger, a generator and assorted power tools. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 30-year-old man, at midnight Sunday, July 21.

# # #

Don't Touch That Dial: Clear-Ridge Historical Society Sets Program on TV

The Clear-Ridge Historical Society will look back at the early

years of television at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 28 at the Clearing Branch Library, 6423 West 63rd Place.

Featured speaker Larry Bergnach will lead an interactive variety show highlighting such television shows as Howdy Doody, Walt Disney, Milton Berle, Jack Benny, I Love Lucy, the Honeymooners, Gunsmoke and many more.

According to CRHS President Rob Bitunjac, Bergnach will use humor, stories, songs and audience participation to take everyone on a trip down memory lane.

Bergnach has been on television as a humorist and a guest several times on WGN Radio with Rick Kogan of the Chicago Tribune.

The "Golden Age of Television" event brings back pleasant

memories when we had only four channels, and Milton Berle was the number one program, Bitunjac added.

# # #

Lindy's Lunch is So Cool...

Looking for a summer refreshment that's better than most?

We stopped by Lindy's/Gertie's this week at Archer and

Lunch at Lindy's.

Nashville.

Simple and delicious lunch--cheeseburger and root beer.

But bringing up the rear was what we call a toasted almond shake: an already delicious Gertie's vanilla shake with a shot of Disaronno Originale, the best amaretto anywhere.

Tastes a lot like a Good Humor Toasted Almond bar---but better. A shake for grown-ups that makes you feel like a kid!

So when it's hot outside, head on over to Lindy's/Gertie's for a delicious meal and a grown-up shake.

So cool.....

# # #

Memorial Mass for Father John Frawley

Just sharing a helpful reminder from our colleague Steve Neuhaus. Father Frawley was a good man, respected, admired and loved by many.

A month's memorial Mass will be held for Father John

Frawley on Tuesday, July 30 at St. Thomas More Church, 8100 South California.

Mass will be offered at 6:30 p.m. by Father Anthony Brankin.

Refreshments will follow the services. For more details, please call the rectory at (773) 436-4444.

Father Frawley passed away on June 30 at the age of 93.

To see more photos, click here.

# # #

Fun With Fakery

By Joan Hadac
Editor and Publisher
Southwest Chicago Post

Seeing the name of teenage cop impersonator Vincent Richardson in the news again:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-police-impersonator-20130725,0,3711538.story

...reminds me of a light-hearted "City Mom Chicago" column I wrote a few years back. Thought I'd share it again, because we can all use a chuckle.

(originally published on October 6, 2010)

You probably read in the news about the man who on the evening of Thursday, September 9, walked into the CTA bus barn near 103rd and Stony Island and so successfully impersonated a driver that he made off with a bus---and actually picked up and dropped off passengers on the South Side, even returning his bus before he was found out and fled.

Incredible.

I wonder if the driver was inspired by the antics of Vincent Richardson, the 14-year-old Police Explorer cadet who in 2009 used a Chicago Police badge, a uniform and a whole lot of gumption to walk into the Third District Police HQ at 71st and Cottage Grove and successfully talk his way into working a beat car for five hours before he was discovered.

Is this the start of a trend? Mostly qualified yet uncredentialed people doing jobs without permission and without want of a paycheck?

If so, I have a few suggestions.

** Faux Maid: a local woman dons an apron, convinces me she is a fully qualified housekeeper and cleans my house---and yes, she does windows. Cheerfully.

** Wanna-Be Taxi Driver: a local man pulls up to my curb in a spacious sedan and gives me rides here, there and everywhere to get errands done.


** Imitation Pet Care Specialist: he walks my dogs, picks up the poop, and even cleans out the cat’s litter box.

** Spurious Chef: she may not really be the classically-trained executive chef she claims to be, but she whips up a good meat-and-potatoes meal for my family.

** Pretend Painters: one day, a half-dozen 20-year-olds show up at my front door, insist they are college kids struggling to put themselves through school, and proceed to paint my walls, ceilings and outside trim. And then clean up after themselves.


** Rogue Road Crew: sure, they don’t really work for IDOT; but they have the equipment, materials, expertise and desire to show up at two o’clock in the morning and quickly fix the Harlem Avenue overpass and any other axle-busting local road projects that have been sitting half-finished for what seems like forever.

And my favorite, Ersatz Eccentric Millionaire Philanthropist: not quite a real millionaire, but he has plenty of dough and a desire to pay all my bills. Hey, I’ll play along!


Fun stuff…
Have a great week…

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Crime News Update

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.

* * *

A 78-year-old man was robbed as he watered the front lawn of his home near 47th and Komensky.

The incident occurred at 5:35 p.m. Friday, July 19. The victim told police that a robber snatched a gold chain off his neck and ran away. He described the criminal as a white Hispanic man age 25-28, 6'0 and 200-220 pounds, wearing a black baseball cap.

* * *

GET UP TO $1,000 CASH FOR YOUR ANONYMOUS CRIME TIPS from Cook County

Crime Stoppers! We don't need your name, just your information. CALL ANYTIME 1-800-535-STOP (7867). Callers to Cook County Crime Stoppers do not give their names, just their information. Crime Stoppers forwards information to the proper law enforcement agencies for action. To protect their anonymity, callers are assigned a code number, which is their code for calling back with more information or to ask about their reward. Crime Stoppers does not know the name of any caller. If the anonymous information leads to an arrest, the caller is eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

* * *

Two thugs robbed a pair of West Lawn men at gunpoint on the street at 72nd and Central Park.

The crime occurred at 2:45 a.m. Saturday, July 20. According to the victims, ages 31 and 35, the crooks walked up and asked if they were in a gang. One of the offenders then pointed a pistol at the head of one of the victims.

The victims were robbed of their cell phones, a gold chain, a wallet and $120 cash. They described the criminals as white Hispanic men 5'6 to 5'7 and 150-175 pounds. One had short black hair; the other had long black hair and facial piercings.

* * *

Want to join your neighbors in a public show of strength against crime? Take part in the National Night Out Against Crime, set for Tuesday, August 6. Mark your calendar and make plans to participate! Click here for details.

* * *

A 17-year-old Garfield Ridge boy who police said appeared intoxicated was arrested for criminal trespass to a vehicle after he was found in another person's 2007 GMC SUV parked near 60th and Austin.

Police said that at about 4:15 a.m. Friday, July 19, a neighbor saw the teenager in the vehicle and detained him when he tried to flee. Police responding confirmed from the vehicle's owner that the boy had no business in the vehicle.

The CPD incident report did not say how the boy, who lives near 58th and Narragansett, gained entry to the vehicle.

* * *

Burglars pushed in a window air conditioner at a home near 60th and Kilbourn, crawled inside and stole a laptop computer, a DVD player, a PlayStation 3 and 10 video games, assorted jewelry and $500 cash.

The crime was discovered by the victim, a 32-year-old man, when he came home from work at 4:55 p.m. Friday, July 19.

* * *

Want to work directly with Chicago Police to prevent crime in your neighborhood? If you live

in Beat 813 or 833 (see map), come to West Lawn Park at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 23. Hear updates on crime in your neighborhood and learn how you can work with neighbors and police to make the community safer and better for all.

* * *

Burglars pried open the back door of a home near 58th Place and Pulaski and stole assorted jewelry and $9,500 cash, according to the victims, a 55-year-old man and a 63-year-old woman. One of the victims reported making a recent withdrawal of $8,000 cash from a bank. The crime was discovered at 7:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 17, according to a CPD incident report.

* * *

Burglars forced open the back door of a home near 81st and Kirkland and stole assorted jewelry, as well as a lawn mower, a grass trimmer, a weed trimmer, a leaf blower and assorted auto repair tools.

The crime was discovered by the victim, a 31-year-old woman, at 2:50 p.m. Wednesday, July 17. She told police that when she left the house at about 11:45 a.m., she saw a suspicious-looking "Jeep-like" black car on her block.

* * *

Burglars entered the back window of a home near 83rd Place and Knox and stole a laptop computer, two cameras, two iPods, an iPad, a Nintendo DS and 10 games, assorted jewelry, and a camcorder.

The crime was discovered by the victim, a 44-year-old woman, when she came home from work at 5:50 p.m. Wednesday, July 17. A neighbor told police that he had seen seen a black SUV with two men in the victim's driveway at about 2:00 p.m., but did not call 911.

* * *

Want to work directly with Chicago Police to prevent crime in your neighborhood? If you live

in Beat 834 (see map), come to Bogan High School at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, August  1. Hear updates on crime in your neighborhood and learn how you can work with neighbors and police to make the community safer and better for all.

* * *

Burglars forced open the service door of a garage near 54th and Kenneth and stole a weed trimmer, an air compressor, a tool box with tools, and four rims. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 28-year-old man, at 7:45 a.m. Tuesday, July 16.

* * *

Burglars entered a home near 59th and Kostner and stole a necklace, a ring, and several jars containing loose change. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 79-year-old woman, when she came in from gardening in her yard at 12:20 p.m. Tuesday, July 16 and saw the front door open. She told police that she was uncertain if she had locked the door.

* * *

Burglars opened the overhead door of a garage near 49th and Komensky and stole a lawn mower, a bike, a ladder and a trampoline. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 40-year-old woman, at 3:45 p.m. Monday, July 15 when she heard her garage door opening, went out to investigate and saw it ajar by two feet.

* * *

Burglars forced open the overhead door of a garage near 47th and La Crosse and stole two bicycles and a power washer. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 31-year-old woman, at 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 15.

* * *

Burglars entered the unlocked service door of a garage near 64th Place and Springfield and stole a lawn mower, a ladder, a grass trimmer and two car vacuums. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 48-year-old woman, at 8:00 a.m. Monday, July 15.

# # #

GRNW Salutes Two Businesses; Zalewski Wants to Attract Restaurants to Archer

In addition to Chicago Police Superintendent Garry F. McCarthy's remarks, there was other action at the July meeting of the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch.

The GRNW gave an award to two local companies (Chicago

Glass Blocks and Best Home Insulation) for their longtime dedication to the community.

"Crime prevention will always be at the heart of what we do," said GRNW President Al Cacciottolo, "but we have recently expanded our efforts into neighborhood improvement as a way to fight crime indirectly."

“One way to improve the neighborhood is to build bridges between residents and local businesses,” he added. “So we have started an initiative to highlight and salute businesses—especially those that are locally owned, which hire local men and women, and share our commitment to community improvement.”

Headquartered at 6036 South Central Avenue, Chicago Glass

Blocks and Best Home Insulation are companies owned and operated by the Basic family, longtime Southwest Siders engaged in building and home repair and improvement since 1949.

“We are pleased to be honored by the Garfield Ridge

(From left) Al Cacciottolo, Michelle Basic, Carol Basic

Neighborhood Watch,” said Carol Basic, owner of Chicago Glass Blocks, who accepted the award with her daughter, Michelle Basic. “We help make the neighborhood more stylish and secure, one building at a time; and the Watch does the same in its way.”

“In just a few short years, the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch has established itself as the gold standard of citizen-led crime prevention organizations in the Chicago area,” added Best Home Insulation owner Brian Basic. “We are honored that they would salute us in such a public way. We share their commitment to making the neighborhood a better place.”


Cacciottolo added that the GRNW plans to highlight and honor at least one local business at each of its monthly meetings going forward. “The Basic family is well known and highly respected in Garfield Ridge and elsewhere across the city and suburbs,” he said. “By saluting them—and others in the months ahead—we are also reminding everyone about the importance of shopping locally for goods and services.

“Whether it’s shopping for groceries, dining at a restaurant, choosing a health care provider or legal professional, hiring a tradesman or home improvement company and so forth, ‘think local’ first. When we spend our money right here where we live, the neighborhood benefits.”

In addition to saluting businesses, the GRNW welcomed 23rd

Ward Alderman Michael R. Zalewski, who offered his thoughts on the need to bring new businesses to Archer Avenue, especially restaurants.

He also talked about local schools, parks and other topics.

Here's something you won't get from any other local newspaper: the full 12 minutes of the alderman's remarks, unedited and in context.

# # #

Crime News Update

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.

* * *

A 20-year-old Little Village woman told police that she was robbed of her cell phone on a CTA bus near 44th and Cicero.

The incident occurred at 2:20 p.m. Sunday, July 14. After snatching the victim's phone, the offender bolted from the bus and ran away. He is described as a black man age 19-25, 6'0 and 120 pounds, short brown hair.

* * *

Want to work directly with Chicago Police to prevent crime in your neighborhood? If you live

in Beat 813 or 833 (see map), come to the West Lawn Park at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 23. Hear updates on crime in your neighborhood and learn how you can work with neighbors and police to make the community safer and better for all.

* * *

Burglars forced open the door of a home near 67th and Kilpatrick and stole two laptop computers, a class ring and $2,000 cash. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 42-year-old woman, when she came home from a three-week vacation at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, July 14.

* * *

Burglars forced open the back door of a house near 68th Place and Springfield and stole a pet beagle. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 44-year-old woman, at 2:00 a.m Thursday, July 11. The house was ransacked, and the victim told police she was uncertain if anything else was stolen.

* * *

Want to join your neighbors in a public show of strength against crime? Take part in the National Night Out Against Crime, set for Tuesday, August 6. Mark your calendar and make plans to participate! Click here for details.

* * *

A 14-year-old Scottsdale boy was robbed of his cellphone as he was walking near 79th and Kilbourn at 2:30 p.m. Friday, July 12. He told police he was walking north on Kilbourn when the robber approached, pointed a small silver pistol at him and said "Give me your phone."

The robber fled with the phone, first running south on Kilbourn and then east on 79th Street. The boy ran to a friend's house for safety. The criminal is described as a black man, 5'10 and 160 pounds, brown eyes, medium complexion, black hair in dreadlocks.

* * *

Burglars kicked in the service door of a garage near 49th and Kostner and stole a bicycle.

The crime was discovered by the victim, a 30-year-old woman, at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 12. The woman noted that her two pitbulls were in the back yard when the burglary appears to have occurred, but she did not hear them barking.

* * *

Burglars pried open the side window of a house near 84th and Springfield and stole two TVs, a Kindle Fire, a Nintendo DS, and a collection of 10 knives. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 51-year-old man, at noon Friday, July 12.

* * *