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 the western section of the district. 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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Bandit hits TCF Bank branch in Jewel-Osco
A man who implied he had a weapon robbed the TCF Bank branch in the Jewel-Osco at
5320 S. Pulaski, making off with $578 cash. The crime occurred at 10:20 a.m. Saturday, June 2. The bandit approached a TCF teller—a 21-year-old Scottsdale woman—and gave her a note implying that he had a weapon and demanding cash. The teller complied, and the robber fled on foot. The thug was described as a white man age 40-50, about 6-foot-3 and 180 pounds, with short brown hair and a light complexion. He wore a red button-down short and horn-rimmed eyeglasses. No one is in custody. The FBI is offered a reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to his arrest. Those with useful information to share are encouraged to call the FBI's Chicago Field Office at (312) 421-6700.
Want to work directly with Chicago Police to prevent crime in your neighborhood? If you live in Beat 812 (see map), come to the Clearing Branch Library, 6423 West 63rd Place, at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 13 and attend your monthly CAPS meeting. 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.
Say man shouted gang slogans, spat in cop’s face
A 19-year-old Back of the Yards man was charged with aggravated battery to a retail
merchant, as well as retail theft and other crimes, in connection with an incident that occurred near 55th and Kedzie at about 12:45 a.m. Tuesday, May 29.
Joell E. Maldonado, of the 5200 block of South Marshfield, “was observed exiting a vehicle and walking into a retail store, holding his side and yelling gang slogans,” police said.
“After returning to his car, he committed a traffic violation; at which point officers pulled his car over. The offender initially lied about his identity by giving a false name, but another officer knew he was wanted on a warrant and for questioning on an unrelated case. While being placed into custody he spat in an officer’s face.”
Robbers twist victim’s arm on Kolin
A 41-year-old Archer Heights man was robbed as he sat in his vehicle in the 5100 block of South Kolin at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, May 27. He reported the crime three days later and told police that two men walked up and demanded money or that they would shoot him. No gun was displayed, and the victim showed his wallet, which the offenders snatched away after they twisted his arm. The wallet contained about $100 cash, five credit cards, two debit cards, a consular card and other items. The robbers were described only as Hispanic men.
West Sider allegedly threatened woman on Pulaski
A 28-year-old West Side man was charged with assault after he allegedly threatened a 44-year-old woman at 5106 S. Pulaski at about 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 30.
Juan M. Hopkins, of the 200 block of North Kilpatrick, was taken into custody at the scene.
According to public records, Hopkins has been arrested 14 times by CPD in the past 18 months—on such charges as aggravated battery, theft, criminal trespass to land and public indecency.
Big cash heist reported at elderly man’s home
An 88-year-old Garfield Ridge man told police that while he was in the hospital, someone entered his home in the 5800 block of South Austin, unlocked a safe and stole $30,000 cash, assorted jewelry and other items. The crime was reported to police on Friday, June 1 but was believed to have occurred sometime in April. He said he discovered the crime when he came home on May 9. There was no sign of forced entry, and the victim said that a number of family members have access to his home.
Burglar smashes way into Chavas Tacos
A burglar smashed the glass front door of El Original Chavas Tacos, 4316 S. Pulaski, damaged two cash registers and stole about $150 cash. Surveillance video showed the crime occurred at about 2 a.m. Wednesday, May 30 and that the burglar stayed in the restaurant for about two hours. He was described as a Hispanic man age 27-35, about 5-foot-8 and 165 pounds with a light complexion. He wore a baseball cap with brown letters, a black T-shirt, blue jeans and black boots.
Suburban man charged with narcotics possession
A 34-year-old Alsip man was charged with possession of a controlled substance after he
was arrested while standing on a sidewalk in front of 4549 S. Lawler at 8:05 a.m. Monday, May 28.
Kenneth Austra, of the 11700 block of South Karlov was reportedly seen “placing items into his mouth, a maneuver known to the officers as a way to conceal narcotics,” police said. “Officers conducted a field interview and discovered the offender was attempting to conceal two bags of a powder-like substance.”
According to Illinois Department of Corrections records, Austra has served time in state penitentiaries since 2001, for such crimes as aggravated battery, robbery and possession of a controlled substance.
Charge Palos Hills man with narcotics possession
A 25-year-old Palos Hills man was charged with one count of felony possession of a
controlled substance after a traffic stop in front of 8201 S. Cicero at 11:05 p.m. Monday, May 28.
Zachary D. Kirk, of the 9900 block of South 82nd Avenue, was found to be in possession of “a bag of schedule IV classified pills,” police said without elaboration.
Officers on patrol reportedly observed Kirk “operating a vehicle without headlamps
Officers curbed the vehicle; and during the field interview, the [alleged] offender was unable to produce a driver’s license,” police added.
More women busted in sweep of Cicero Avenue
Three more women have been arrested in what appears to be a police sweep of streetwalking sex workers and others on Cicero Avenue, north of Archer—since CPD Supt. Eddie Johnson publicly vowed to the Archer Heights Civic Association that he would lead the way to eliminate prostitution for good in that area.
• Charged with soliciting a ride on a public roadway was 27-year-old Catherine A. Dolehide, of the 4100 block of South Home Avenue, Stickney.
According to police, shortly before 6:30 a.m. Saturday, May 26, she was “observed walking back and forth on 48th Street, waving at passing motorists, specifically targeting vehicles with single male occupants. In one instance, a passing vehicle honked at Dolehide and then turned on 48th Street and went southbound in the alley between Cicero and La Crosse. Dolehide followed the vehicle to the alley to solicit.”
According to public records, Dolehide has been arrested 12 times by CPD since 2015, on
such charges as prostitution, retail theft and criminal trespass to land.
• Arrested because she was wanted on a warrant was 39-year-old Joleen D. Rompasky.
She was stopped by police at 48th and Cicero at 7:38 a.m. Friday, May 25.
The nature of the warrant, issued by the Town of Cicero, was not disclosed by Chicago Police.
According to public records, Rompasky has been arrested 10 times by CPD since 2014, on such charges as prostitution and disorderly conduct.
• Charged with soliciting a ride on a public roadway was 35-year-old Alicia L. Hallstead, of
the 1700 block of North Long.
According to police, at about 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 29 at 47th and Keating, Hallstead “was observed flagging down vehicles with lone male occupants on several occasions while standing at a bus stop. As the bus would approach, she would walk away from the bus stop and continue flagging down vehicles.”
According to public records, Hallstead has been arrested six times by CPD since 2014, on charges that include prostitution and retail theft.
Apartment on 46th Street burglarized
Burglars entered an apartment in the 3800 block of West 46th Street and stole a video game console, 10 video games, a toolbox, a laptop computer and four bottles of tequila. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 22-year-old woman, at 1 p.m. Friday, June 1.
Kitchen items stolen from garage on Tripp
Burglars forced open the service door of a garage in the 6400 block of South Tripp and stole an oven, a toaster, a blender, assorted kitchen items, a printer and other items. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 23-year-old woman, at about 9 a.m. Friday, June 1.
Bandit hits TCF Bank branch in Jewel-Osco
A man who implied he had a weapon robbed the TCF Bank branch in the Jewel-Osco at
 |
| Surveillance photo of the bandit. |
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Want to work directly with Chicago Police to prevent crime in your neighborhood? If you live in Beat 812 (see map), come to the Clearing Branch Library, 6423 West 63rd Place, at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 13 and attend your monthly CAPS meeting. 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.
Say man shouted gang slogans, spat in cop’s face
A 19-year-old Back of the Yards man was charged with aggravated battery to a retail
 |
| Joell Maldonado |
Joell E. Maldonado, of the 5200 block of South Marshfield, “was observed exiting a vehicle and walking into a retail store, holding his side and yelling gang slogans,” police said.
“After returning to his car, he committed a traffic violation; at which point officers pulled his car over. The offender initially lied about his identity by giving a false name, but another officer knew he was wanted on a warrant and for questioning on an unrelated case. While being placed into custody he spat in an officer’s face.”
Robbers twist victim’s arm on Kolin
A 41-year-old Archer Heights man was robbed as he sat in his vehicle in the 5100 block of South Kolin at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, May 27. He reported the crime three days later and told police that two men walked up and demanded money or that they would shoot him. No gun was displayed, and the victim showed his wallet, which the offenders snatched away after they twisted his arm. The wallet contained about $100 cash, five credit cards, two debit cards, a consular card and other items. The robbers were described only as Hispanic men.
West Sider allegedly threatened woman on Pulaski
 |
| Juan Hopkins |
A 28-year-old West Side man was charged with assault after he allegedly threatened a 44-year-old woman at 5106 S. Pulaski at about 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 30.
Juan M. Hopkins, of the 200 block of North Kilpatrick, was taken into custody at the scene.
According to public records, Hopkins has been arrested 14 times by CPD in the past 18 months—on such charges as aggravated battery, theft, criminal trespass to land and public indecency.
Big cash heist reported at elderly man’s home
An 88-year-old Garfield Ridge man told police that while he was in the hospital, someone entered his home in the 5800 block of South Austin, unlocked a safe and stole $30,000 cash, assorted jewelry and other items. The crime was reported to police on Friday, June 1 but was believed to have occurred sometime in April. He said he discovered the crime when he came home on May 9. There was no sign of forced entry, and the victim said that a number of family members have access to his home.
Burglar smashes way into Chavas Tacos
A burglar smashed the glass front door of El Original Chavas Tacos, 4316 S. Pulaski, damaged two cash registers and stole about $150 cash. Surveillance video showed the crime occurred at about 2 a.m. Wednesday, May 30 and that the burglar stayed in the restaurant for about two hours. He was described as a Hispanic man age 27-35, about 5-foot-8 and 165 pounds with a light complexion. He wore a baseball cap with brown letters, a black T-shirt, blue jeans and black boots.
Suburban man charged with narcotics possession
A 34-year-old Alsip man was charged with possession of a controlled substance after he
 |
| Kenneth Austra |
Kenneth Austra, of the 11700 block of South Karlov was reportedly seen “placing items into his mouth, a maneuver known to the officers as a way to conceal narcotics,” police said. “Officers conducted a field interview and discovered the offender was attempting to conceal two bags of a powder-like substance.”
According to Illinois Department of Corrections records, Austra has served time in state penitentiaries since 2001, for such crimes as aggravated battery, robbery and possession of a controlled substance.
Charge Palos Hills man with narcotics possession
A 25-year-old Palos Hills man was charged with one count of felony possession of a
 |
| Zachary Kirk |
Zachary D. Kirk, of the 9900 block of South 82nd Avenue, was found to be in possession of “a bag of schedule IV classified pills,” police said without elaboration.
Officers on patrol reportedly observed Kirk “operating a vehicle without headlamps
Officers curbed the vehicle; and during the field interview, the [alleged] offender was unable to produce a driver’s license,” police added.
More women busted in sweep of Cicero Avenue
 |
| Catherine Dolehide |
Three more women have been arrested in what appears to be a police sweep of streetwalking sex workers and others on Cicero Avenue, north of Archer—since CPD Supt. Eddie Johnson publicly vowed to the Archer Heights Civic Association that he would lead the way to eliminate prostitution for good in that area.
• Charged with soliciting a ride on a public roadway was 27-year-old Catherine A. Dolehide, of the 4100 block of South Home Avenue, Stickney.
According to police, shortly before 6:30 a.m. Saturday, May 26, she was “observed walking back and forth on 48th Street, waving at passing motorists, specifically targeting vehicles with single male occupants. In one instance, a passing vehicle honked at Dolehide and then turned on 48th Street and went southbound in the alley between Cicero and La Crosse. Dolehide followed the vehicle to the alley to solicit.”
According to public records, Dolehide has been arrested 12 times by CPD since 2015, on
 |
| Joleen Rompasky |
• Arrested because she was wanted on a warrant was 39-year-old Joleen D. Rompasky.
She was stopped by police at 48th and Cicero at 7:38 a.m. Friday, May 25.
The nature of the warrant, issued by the Town of Cicero, was not disclosed by Chicago Police.
According to public records, Rompasky has been arrested 10 times by CPD since 2014, on such charges as prostitution and disorderly conduct.
• Charged with soliciting a ride on a public roadway was 35-year-old Alicia L. Hallstead, of
 |
| Alicia Hallstead |
According to police, at about 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 29 at 47th and Keating, Hallstead “was observed flagging down vehicles with lone male occupants on several occasions while standing at a bus stop. As the bus would approach, she would walk away from the bus stop and continue flagging down vehicles.”
According to public records, Hallstead has been arrested six times by CPD since 2014, on charges that include prostitution and retail theft.
Apartment on 46th Street burglarized
Burglars entered an apartment in the 3800 block of West 46th Street and stole a video game console, 10 video games, a toolbox, a laptop computer and four bottles of tequila. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 22-year-old woman, at 1 p.m. Friday, June 1.
Kitchen items stolen from garage on Tripp
Burglars forced open the service door of a garage in the 6400 block of South Tripp and stole an oven, a toaster, a blender, assorted kitchen items, a printer and other items. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 23-year-old woman, at about 9 a.m. Friday, June 1.
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Anyone who keeps 30 thousand dollars at home in a safe needs there head examined.
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