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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Expect more police presence in Beat 811
Police presence in the northwest corner of Garfield Ridge is expected to be stepped up this
week in the wake of two separate armed robberies of women at their homes.
According to Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch President Al Cacciottolo, 23rd Ward Ald. Silvana Tabares has reached out to Chicago Lawn (8th) District Commander Ronald Pontecore to request more police patrols in Beat 811 (the central and western sections of Garfield Ridge), and that he has responded affirmatively.
• A 61-year-old Garfield Ridge grandmother was robbed at gunpoint as she stood on the front porch of her home in the 5200 block of South Newland at 12:33 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 11.
The victim told police she had just gotten out of her vehicle and walked up the porch steps to enter her home, when a man ran up behind her and snatched away her Coach purse and laptop computer.
When the victim began screaming, the thug said, “Shut up, b~tch,” and pulled a pistol and fired one shot at her. It missed and hit a window.
The robber then ran away north on Newland, east on 52nd Street and then north through an alley.
The bandit was described as a black man age 18-21, about 5-foot-8 and 160 pounds, with a dark complexion. He wore a black hoody with white stripes and shiny black pants.
In a post on social media, the victim said she “was returning from the hospital after being with my son and daughter-in-law for the birth of my granddaughter.”
Police recovered a shell casing on the victim’s front lawn.
She said the because of the horrifying experience, “A very happy event in my life turned tragic…and now my life will never be the same.”
• A 35-year-old Garfield Ridge woman was robbed at gunpoint in her garage near 51st and Newcastle, at about 2:20 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 9.
The victim said she had just pulled her car into the garage, but that the overhead door would not close.
When she got out of her car to investigate and step outside the garage, a man suddenly appeared and thrust a gun into her stomach. He pushed her back into the garage and exclaimed, “If you say a word or make a noise, I’ll f~cking kill you!”
The thug and an accomplice ordered the victim to surrender her purse and other valuables, which she did. One of the two also ripped a necklace with a cross off her neck.
The victim reported that when she told the gunman to take her car or any material valuables she had on her, he said, “B~tch, I told you to shut up!”
The robbers then ran away towards 51st Street, and the victim ran inside her house to alert her husband.
The bandits were described as black men age 20-25, about 5-foot-10 with medium complexions.
Shortly after police arrived, they found the victim’s purse with credit cards inside. Missing were a wedding and engagement ring and about $200 cash.
The victim also turned to Facebook to share her experience and said the harrowing ordeal left her unable to sleep or be alone in the house.
The crimes are expected to be discussed at the next public meeting of the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch, set for 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 20 at the headquarters of the Croatian Radio Club, Archer and Nordica; as well as at the next meeting of CAPS Beat 811, set for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 21 at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, 5550 S. Merrimac.
Jewel-Osco security guard run into by angry motorist
A 68-year-old security guard working at the Jewel-Osco at 5320 S. Pulaski was injured and
taken to a hospital after an angry motorist rammed him with his car.
The incident occurred at 6:24 p.m. Friday, Aug. 10.
The guard told police that he had approached the car--a silver, four-door Nissan Sentra--to ask the driver to move because he was parked in a fire lane.
When confronted, the driver reportedly yelled racial slurs at the guard, put his car into reverse and sped backwards, knocking bricks off a pillar, knocking over a newspaper vending box and slamming the guard into the east wall of the building.
The driver then sped away through the parking lot and then west on 54th Street.
The offender was described as a Hispanic man, about age 29 with black hair. Two women who were passengers in the vehicle were described as young Hispanic women with long, dark hair.
Police said a computer check revealed that the car had been reported stolen from the 4400 block of South Kedvale.
The car is said to have extensive rear-end damage, as well as a missing rear-view mirror on the passenger side.
Those with useful information to share about the crime are asked to call Area Central Detectives at (312) 747-8380.
Want to work directly with Chicago Police to prevent crime in your neighborhood? If you live in Beat 811 (see map), come to Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, 5550 S. Merrimac, at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 21 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.
* * *
Charge man with molesting girl
A 33-year-old West Elsdon man was charged with felony predatory criminal sexual assault
on a child under age 13, after he was arrested in the 5500 block of South Homan at 1:11 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 7.
Philip J. Hickey, of the 4100 block of West 58th Street, was apprehended after the child “disclosed in a forensic interview that the offender touched her vagina with his fingers and penis on multiple occasions,” a CPD spokesman said.
Arrest man on drug, weapons charges
A 25-year-old West Lawn man was charged with felony possession of cannabis with intent to manufacture/deliver, felony possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor possession of ammunition without a valid FOID card.
Abdelrahma Ramadan, of the 7100 block of South Avers, was arrested at his home at 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4.
According to public records, Ramadan has been arrested seven times by CPD since 2014, on such charges as unlawful possession of a firearm by a street gang member and possession cannabis.
Claim man hit boy with belt
A 33-year-old West Elsdon man was charged with misdemeanor domestic battery after he allegedly hit a seven-year-old boy with a belt.
Michael B. Young, of the 5800 block of South Tripp, was arrested by police at a home in the 6400 block of South Lockwood just after 4:45 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4.
Police said they “saw visible signs of bruising on [the boy], who stated that [Young] struck him several times with a belt. The victim was transported to MacNeal Hospital for evaluation.
DCFS is investigating the case, along with Area Central Detectives.
Charge man with breaking into home
A 25-year-old Clearing man was charged with burglary after he allegedly broke into a home in the 6100 block of West 59th Street and stole property at about 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8.
Peter Garcia, of the 6100 block of South Rutherford, was apprehended at the scene, according to a CPD spokesman, who declined to say what was allegedly stolen.
According to public records, Garcia was arrested by CPD in 2016, in the 6100 block of South Central, and charged with criminal trespass to a vehicle.
Claim Clearing man swiped cellphone chargers
A 27-year-old Clearing man was charged with retail theft after he allegedly stole several cellphone chargers.
Omar Juma, of the 6500 block of West 63rd Street, was apprehended at 10:27 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 2 at 6174 S. Archer.
Police declined to say what store the chargers were allegedly stolen from.
According to public records, Juma has been arrested nine times by CPD since 2014, on such charges as reckless conduct, possession of a controlled substance, aggravated assault and domestic battery.
Bust Little Village man for shoplifting
A 60-year-old Little Village man was charged with retail theft after he allegedly stole merchandise from the Jewel-Osco at 5320 S. Pulaski at about 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 6.
Rodolfo Perez, of the 2500 block of South Keeler, “put several food items into bags and attempted to leave without paying,” a CPD spokesman said.
Police declined to say exactly what Perez allegedly stole.
According to public records, Perez has been arrested six times by CPD since 2015, three of them on a retail theft charge.
Claim man in bar touched women inappropriately
A 28-year-old Brighton Park man was charged with misdemeanor battery after he allegedly touched two women—ages 29 and 27—inappropriately while dancing at Bohica Bar & Grill, 5518 S. Archer, at 1:59 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 4.
Rodolfo L. DeJesus, of the 2500 block of West 44th Street, was apprehended at the scene.
According to public records, DeJesus has been arrested four times by CPD since 2014, on such charges as assault, domestic battery and criminal trespass to property.
Claim man tried to enter home
A 21-year-old man was charged with criminal trespass to a residence after he allegedly tried to enter a home in the 4000 block of West 59th Street just after 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 7.
Sandro Escobar was apprehended by police a short distance away, in front of 5828 S. Pulaski, because he reportedly matched a description given to police by homeowners who confronted the man who they said tried to get in their front and back doors.
They said the man fled when they confronted him.
Police offered no home address for Escobar.
Charge Clearing woman with drug possession
A 24-year-old Clearing woman was charged with two felony counts of possession of a controlled substance after police arrested her in the 6000 block of South Natchez at 4:49 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8.
Jaclyn Hedge was taken into custody after police found “plastic white baggies of suspect narcotics” on the passenger seat of her vehicle, a CPD spokesman said.
Police and a CFD ambulance reportedly had been called to the scene to check on Hedge, who was said to be “unresponsive” while sitting in her vehicle.
Police declined to say what the suspect substance was or how much they recovered.
More women are busted in sweep of Cicero Avenue
Two more women have been arrested in what appears to be a police sweep of streetwalking sex workers, panhandlers 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 the public way was 31-year-old Rosie Padilla, of the 4600
block of South Keeler.
She was arrested at 6:25 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 4 at 4701 S. Kilpatrick.
According to public records, Padilla has been arrested four times by CPD since 2015, on charges that include criminal trespass to a vehicle, violating parole by making contact with a street gang member and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon by a convicted felon.
According to the Illinois Department of Corrections, Padilla was sentenced in 2015 to three years, six months in prison for the UUW conviction; but she was released on parole last year.
In 2011, she was convicted of aggravated battery and sentenced to three years in prison.
• Charged with obstruction of traffic by a non-motorist was 18-year-old Kaitlyn R. Kwak, of
the 4700 block of South Lamon.
She was apprehended at 4:37 p.m. Monday, Aug. 6 in front of 4711 S. Cicero.
Police said they spotted her panhandling from motorists at the intersection.
Expect more police presence in Beat 811
Police presence in the northwest corner of Garfield Ridge is expected to be stepped up this
According to Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch President Al Cacciottolo, 23rd Ward Ald. Silvana Tabares has reached out to Chicago Lawn (8th) District Commander Ronald Pontecore to request more police patrols in Beat 811 (the central and western sections of Garfield Ridge), and that he has responded affirmatively.
• A 61-year-old Garfield Ridge grandmother was robbed at gunpoint as she stood on the front porch of her home in the 5200 block of South Newland at 12:33 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 11.
The victim told police she had just gotten out of her vehicle and walked up the porch steps to enter her home, when a man ran up behind her and snatched away her Coach purse and laptop computer.
When the victim began screaming, the thug said, “Shut up, b~tch,” and pulled a pistol and fired one shot at her. It missed and hit a window.
The robber then ran away north on Newland, east on 52nd Street and then north through an alley.
The bandit was described as a black man age 18-21, about 5-foot-8 and 160 pounds, with a dark complexion. He wore a black hoody with white stripes and shiny black pants.
In a post on social media, the victim said she “was returning from the hospital after being with my son and daughter-in-law for the birth of my granddaughter.”
Police recovered a shell casing on the victim’s front lawn.
She said the because of the horrifying experience, “A very happy event in my life turned tragic…and now my life will never be the same.”
• A 35-year-old Garfield Ridge woman was robbed at gunpoint in her garage near 51st and Newcastle, at about 2:20 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 9.
The victim said she had just pulled her car into the garage, but that the overhead door would not close.
When she got out of her car to investigate and step outside the garage, a man suddenly appeared and thrust a gun into her stomach. He pushed her back into the garage and exclaimed, “If you say a word or make a noise, I’ll f~cking kill you!”
The thug and an accomplice ordered the victim to surrender her purse and other valuables, which she did. One of the two also ripped a necklace with a cross off her neck.
The victim reported that when she told the gunman to take her car or any material valuables she had on her, he said, “B~tch, I told you to shut up!”
The robbers then ran away towards 51st Street, and the victim ran inside her house to alert her husband.
The bandits were described as black men age 20-25, about 5-foot-10 with medium complexions.
Shortly after police arrived, they found the victim’s purse with credit cards inside. Missing were a wedding and engagement ring and about $200 cash.
The victim also turned to Facebook to share her experience and said the harrowing ordeal left her unable to sleep or be alone in the house.
The crimes are expected to be discussed at the next public meeting of the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch, set for 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 20 at the headquarters of the Croatian Radio Club, Archer and Nordica; as well as at the next meeting of CAPS Beat 811, set for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 21 at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, 5550 S. Merrimac.
Jewel-Osco security guard run into by angry motorist
A 68-year-old security guard working at the Jewel-Osco at 5320 S. Pulaski was injured and
 |
| Witnesses comfort the guard. |
The incident occurred at 6:24 p.m. Friday, Aug. 10.
The guard told police that he had approached the car--a silver, four-door Nissan Sentra--to ask the driver to move because he was parked in a fire lane.
When confronted, the driver reportedly yelled racial slurs at the guard, put his car into reverse and sped backwards, knocking bricks off a pillar, knocking over a newspaper vending box and slamming the guard into the east wall of the building.
The driver then sped away through the parking lot and then west on 54th Street.
The offender was described as a Hispanic man, about age 29 with black hair. Two women who were passengers in the vehicle were described as young Hispanic women with long, dark hair.
Police said a computer check revealed that the car had been reported stolen from the 4400 block of South Kedvale.
The car is said to have extensive rear-end damage, as well as a missing rear-view mirror on the passenger side.
Those with useful information to share about the crime are asked to call Area Central Detectives at (312) 747-8380.
* * *
Want to work directly with Chicago Police to prevent crime in your neighborhood? If you live in Beat 811 (see map), come to Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, 5550 S. Merrimac, at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 21 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.
* * *
Charge man with molesting girl
 |
| Philip Hickey |
A 33-year-old West Elsdon man was charged with felony predatory criminal sexual assault
Philip J. Hickey, of the 4100 block of West 58th Street, was apprehended after the child “disclosed in a forensic interview that the offender touched her vagina with his fingers and penis on multiple occasions,” a CPD spokesman said.
Arrest man on drug, weapons charges
 |
| Ramadan |
A 25-year-old West Lawn man was charged with felony possession of cannabis with intent to manufacture/deliver, felony possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor possession of ammunition without a valid FOID card.
Abdelrahma Ramadan, of the 7100 block of South Avers, was arrested at his home at 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4.
According to public records, Ramadan has been arrested seven times by CPD since 2014, on such charges as unlawful possession of a firearm by a street gang member and possession cannabis.
Claim man hit boy with belt
 |
| Michael Young |
A 33-year-old West Elsdon man was charged with misdemeanor domestic battery after he allegedly hit a seven-year-old boy with a belt.
Michael B. Young, of the 5800 block of South Tripp, was arrested by police at a home in the 6400 block of South Lockwood just after 4:45 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4.
Police said they “saw visible signs of bruising on [the boy], who stated that [Young] struck him several times with a belt. The victim was transported to MacNeal Hospital for evaluation.
DCFS is investigating the case, along with Area Central Detectives.
Charge man with breaking into home
 |
| Peter Garcia |
A 25-year-old Clearing man was charged with burglary after he allegedly broke into a home in the 6100 block of West 59th Street and stole property at about 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8.
Peter Garcia, of the 6100 block of South Rutherford, was apprehended at the scene, according to a CPD spokesman, who declined to say what was allegedly stolen.
According to public records, Garcia was arrested by CPD in 2016, in the 6100 block of South Central, and charged with criminal trespass to a vehicle.
Claim Clearing man swiped cellphone chargers
 |
| Omar Juma |
A 27-year-old Clearing man was charged with retail theft after he allegedly stole several cellphone chargers.
Omar Juma, of the 6500 block of West 63rd Street, was apprehended at 10:27 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 2 at 6174 S. Archer.
Police declined to say what store the chargers were allegedly stolen from.
According to public records, Juma has been arrested nine times by CPD since 2014, on such charges as reckless conduct, possession of a controlled substance, aggravated assault and domestic battery.
Bust Little Village man for shoplifting
 |
| Rodolfo Perez |
A 60-year-old Little Village man was charged with retail theft after he allegedly stole merchandise from the Jewel-Osco at 5320 S. Pulaski at about 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 6.
Rodolfo Perez, of the 2500 block of South Keeler, “put several food items into bags and attempted to leave without paying,” a CPD spokesman said.
Police declined to say exactly what Perez allegedly stole.
According to public records, Perez has been arrested six times by CPD since 2015, three of them on a retail theft charge.
Claim man in bar touched women inappropriately
 |
| Rodolfo DeJesus |
A 28-year-old Brighton Park man was charged with misdemeanor battery after he allegedly touched two women—ages 29 and 27—inappropriately while dancing at Bohica Bar & Grill, 5518 S. Archer, at 1:59 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 4.
Rodolfo L. DeJesus, of the 2500 block of West 44th Street, was apprehended at the scene.
According to public records, DeJesus has been arrested four times by CPD since 2014, on such charges as assault, domestic battery and criminal trespass to property.
Claim man tried to enter home
 |
| Sandro Escobar |
A 21-year-old man was charged with criminal trespass to a residence after he allegedly tried to enter a home in the 4000 block of West 59th Street just after 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 7.
Sandro Escobar was apprehended by police a short distance away, in front of 5828 S. Pulaski, because he reportedly matched a description given to police by homeowners who confronted the man who they said tried to get in their front and back doors.
They said the man fled when they confronted him.
Police offered no home address for Escobar.
Charge Clearing woman with drug possession
 |
| Jaclyn Hedge |
A 24-year-old Clearing woman was charged with two felony counts of possession of a controlled substance after police arrested her in the 6000 block of South Natchez at 4:49 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8.
Jaclyn Hedge was taken into custody after police found “plastic white baggies of suspect narcotics” on the passenger seat of her vehicle, a CPD spokesman said.
Police and a CFD ambulance reportedly had been called to the scene to check on Hedge, who was said to be “unresponsive” while sitting in her vehicle.
Police declined to say what the suspect substance was or how much they recovered.
More women are busted in sweep of Cicero Avenue
Two more women have been arrested in what appears to be a police sweep of streetwalking sex workers, panhandlers 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 the public way was 31-year-old Rosie Padilla, of the 4600
 |
| Rosie Padilla |
She was arrested at 6:25 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 4 at 4701 S. Kilpatrick.
According to public records, Padilla has been arrested four times by CPD since 2015, on charges that include criminal trespass to a vehicle, violating parole by making contact with a street gang member and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon by a convicted felon.
According to the Illinois Department of Corrections, Padilla was sentenced in 2015 to three years, six months in prison for the UUW conviction; but she was released on parole last year.
In 2011, she was convicted of aggravated battery and sentenced to three years in prison.
• Charged with obstruction of traffic by a non-motorist was 18-year-old Kaitlyn R. Kwak, of
 |
| Kaitlyn Kwak |
She was apprehended at 4:37 p.m. Monday, Aug. 6 in front of 4711 S. Cicero.
Police said they spotted her panhandling from motorists at the intersection.
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