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.

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A 26-year-old Vittum Park man was arrested and charged with battery after he allegedly punched another man in the head during an argument over a traffic accident.

Mariano E. Moreno of 52nd and Lorel reportedly punched a 27-year-old Garfield Ridge man shortly after they were involved in a crash in front of 5536 South Archer at about 3:00 a.m. Sunday, February 16.

A security guard working at the nearby Bohica Bar & Grill told police that he saw the fight, intervened and detained Moreno for authorities.

The victim was transported by CFD ambulance to Holy Cross Hospital, where he was treated and released.

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A knife-wielding thug robbed a couple as they got out of their vehicle near 52nd and Luna at 2:30 a.m. Saturday, February 15.

The victims, a 34-year-old woman and a 32-year-old man, told police that the robber said "Give me everything you got." They surrendered a Rolex watch, a necklace and $200 cash. The robber then fled on foot northbound through an adjacent alley. He is described as a white Hispanic man age 20-25, 6'2 and 250 pounds, brown eyes and olive complexion.

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Burglars cut through the back fence of a car wash construction site at 54th and Harlem and stole $10,000 worth of scaffolding. The crime was discovered at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 13 by a representative of J & I Builders of west suburban Darien.

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Thieves stole a yellow 2013 Caterpillar front loader from a parking lot at 7600 South Pulaski. According to surveillance video, the crime occurred shortly after 2:00 a.m. Sunday, February 9. The thief was a passenger in a black Chevy Tahoe. After starting the loader, the criminal drove it west on Ford City Drive. The loader included an attached bucket and snow pusher, according to the owners, Beverly Snow and Ice of south suburban Markham. The vehicle is reportedly valued at $50,000.

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Burglars kicked in the service door of a garage near 50th and Leamington and stole a love seat. the crime was discovered by the victim, a 35-year-old woman, at 6:00 p.m. Friday, February 14.

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Burglars kicked in the service door of a garage near 67th Place and Lawndale and stole two tool boxes, three rooking guns, three framing guns, a desktop computer and a set of dishes. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 41-year-old man, at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, February 15.

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Burglars pushed in the back window of a home near 45th and Springfield and stole two TVs, welding equipment, assorted tools, and $1,700 cash. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 59-year-old man, at 7:30 a.m. Friday, February 14.

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Burglars entered the unlocked service door of a garage near 84th and Kostner and stole four tires and wheels. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 37-year-old man, when he came home at 7:45 a.m. Thursday, February 13.

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