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No bells or whistles. No gossip or political glad-handing. Just neighborhood news, reported plainly and honestly by people who live here.
Thursday, November 29, 2018
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 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.
* * *
Indiana man allegedly punched woman in face, body
A 25-year-old Hammond, Ind. man was charged with domestic battery after he allegedly punched a 25-year-old woman in the face and body multiple times on the street in the 6600 block of West 63rd Street, at 7:43 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14.
Kyle Veyett, of the 7500 block of Oakdale Avenue, is due in court in December to respond to the charge.
According to public records, Veyett was arrested by CPD in 2014 and charged with burglary.
Want to work directly with Chicago Police to prevent crime in your neighborhood? If you live in Beats 822 or 824 (see map), come to Hernández Middle School, 3510 W. 55th St., at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 4 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.
Bust West Elsdon man on DUI rap
A 29-year-old West Elsdon man was charged with DUI and operating a motor vehicle with expired registration after police curbed his vehicle in the 5700 block of South Kostner at 2:55 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 18.
Ferdinand Herrera, of the 4100 block of West 56th Street, was arrested after his vehicle “struck the driver’s side mirror of a police squad car and was found to be under the influence of alcohol,” a CPD spokesman said.
Cops say NW Side man used phone while driving
A 25-year-old Northwest Side man was charged with using an electronic communications device while driving, after police curbed his vehicle in the 6300 block of South Lavergne at 6:26 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 20.
Xavier A. Morales, of the 7400 block West Forest Preserve Drive, was “observed driving while holding his cell phone in his hand,” a CPD spokesman said.
Additionally, police said that “officers smelled a strong odor of cannabis coming from his vehicle, at which point a search of his car revealed bags of suspected cannabis.”
Say Cicero man was driving stolen van on Pulaski
A 42-year-old Cicero man was charged with possession of a stolen vehicle after a traffic stop in the 6000 block of South Pulaski at 7:12 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 15.
Hector R. Delgado, of the 2600 block of South 58th Court, was “found in possession of a 2003 white van reported stolen on Nov. 6, from Cicero,” a CPD spokesman said.
According to public records, Delgado has been arrested three times by CPD since 2014, on charges that included theft and possession of a controlled substance.
Man allegedly swiped luggage from Midway
A 51-year-old Englewood man was charged with two counts of theft after he was arrested by police in the 6300 block of South Central at about 8 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 21.
Duane L. Allen, of the 7100 block of South Vincennes, “observed pushing a luggage cart off Midway Airport property.”
According to public records, Allen as arrested by CPD in February 2016 on the Southeast Side and charged with criminal trespass to a residence.
Claim Canaryville man stole merchandise
A 31-year-old Canaryville man was charged with retail theft after he allegedly stole several items from a store in the 4900 block of South Kedzie at 7:38 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 21.
Jessie A. Sulk, of the 500 block of West 44th Street, “placed several items into his coat sleeves and attempted to leave without purchasing the items,” a CPD spokesman said.
Police declined to name the store or what Sulk allegedly stole.
According to public records, Sulk has been arrested 10 times by CPD since 2014, on such charges as possession of a controlled substance and urinating on the public way.
Claim Scottsdale man threatened cops, paramedic
A 25-year-old Scottsdale man was charged with four counts of aggravated assault after he allegedly threatened a paramedic and three police officers on the street at 4139 W. 79th St. at 4:22 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 22.
Maurice Lowry, of the 8000 block of South Pulaski, was reportedly intoxicated and threatened those responding to a “man down” call.
Lowry is due in court on Dec. 11 to answer the misdemeanor charges.
According to public records, Lowry was arrested in August near 87th and Harper and charged with criminal damage to property and criminal trespass to land.
Cited for littering, then busted on drug rap
A 27-year-old man from suburban Worth was charged with possession of a controlled substance after he was arrested at 12:55 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14 outside at 7845 S. Western.
Brandon W. Pyne, of the 7200 block of Southwest Highway, was confronted by police as he reportedly was spotted littering.
While officers were writing a citation, they discovered that Pyne “was in possession of a controlled substance,” a CPD spokesman said, while declining to specify what the substance was.
Arrest man after Archer bar dustup
A 26-year-old Garfield Ridge man was charged with reckless conduct after he was arrested on the street in the 6800 block of West Archer at 12:26 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 22.
Dennis J. Lanz, of the 5800 block of South Natchez, was in “an altercation with other individuals,” a CPD spokesman said. “Lanz refused to leave and walked into traffic, causing a safety issue for vehicles and his own person.”
He is due in court on Jan. 10 to answer the misdemeanor charge.
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, 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 a public roadway was 27-year-old Catherine A. Dolehide, of the 4100 block of South Home Avenue, Stickney.
According to police, shortly before 6:25 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 21, she was “observed walking back and forth on 48th Street, waving at passing motorists, specifically targeting vehicles with single male occupants."
According to public records, Dolehide has been arrested 15 times by CPD since 2015, on such charges as prostitution, retail theft and criminal trespass to land.
• Charged with soliciting a ride on a public roadway was 36-year-old Tina L. Godfrey, of the 2700 block of West Harrison.
According to police, shortly before 6:25 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 21, she was observed walking back and forth on Cicero Avenue near 48th Street, waving at passing motorists.
According to public records, Godfrey has been arrested 10 times by CPD since 2014, on such retail theft, possession of a controlled substance and criminal trespass to a vehicle.
• Charged with soliciting a ride on a public roadway was 35-year-old Tabitha A. Wandell-Koledin, of the 15100 block of South Route 59, Plainfield.
According to police, undercover officers spotted her near 47th and Tripp at 6:36 a.m. Friday, Nov. 16, waving down cars.
 |
| Kyle Veyett |
A 25-year-old Hammond, Ind. man was charged with domestic battery after he allegedly punched a 25-year-old woman in the face and body multiple times on the street in the 6600 block of West 63rd Street, at 7:43 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14.
Kyle Veyett, of the 7500 block of Oakdale Avenue, is due in court in December to respond to the charge.
According to public records, Veyett was arrested by CPD in 2014 and charged with burglary.
* * *
Want to work directly with Chicago Police to prevent crime in your neighborhood? If you live in Beats 822 or 824 (see map), come to Hernández Middle School, 3510 W. 55th St., at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 4 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.
* * *
 |
| Ferdinand Herrera |
A 29-year-old West Elsdon man was charged with DUI and operating a motor vehicle with expired registration after police curbed his vehicle in the 5700 block of South Kostner at 2:55 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 18.
Ferdinand Herrera, of the 4100 block of West 56th Street, was arrested after his vehicle “struck the driver’s side mirror of a police squad car and was found to be under the influence of alcohol,” a CPD spokesman said.
Cops say NW Side man used phone while driving
 |
| Xavier Morales |
A 25-year-old Northwest Side man was charged with using an electronic communications device while driving, after police curbed his vehicle in the 6300 block of South Lavergne at 6:26 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 20.
Xavier A. Morales, of the 7400 block West Forest Preserve Drive, was “observed driving while holding his cell phone in his hand,” a CPD spokesman said.
Additionally, police said that “officers smelled a strong odor of cannabis coming from his vehicle, at which point a search of his car revealed bags of suspected cannabis.”
Say Cicero man was driving stolen van on Pulaski
 |
| Hector Delgado |
A 42-year-old Cicero man was charged with possession of a stolen vehicle after a traffic stop in the 6000 block of South Pulaski at 7:12 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 15.
Hector R. Delgado, of the 2600 block of South 58th Court, was “found in possession of a 2003 white van reported stolen on Nov. 6, from Cicero,” a CPD spokesman said.
According to public records, Delgado has been arrested three times by CPD since 2014, on charges that included theft and possession of a controlled substance.
Man allegedly swiped luggage from Midway
 |
| Duane Allen |
A 51-year-old Englewood man was charged with two counts of theft after he was arrested by police in the 6300 block of South Central at about 8 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 21.
Duane L. Allen, of the 7100 block of South Vincennes, “observed pushing a luggage cart off Midway Airport property.”
According to public records, Allen as arrested by CPD in February 2016 on the Southeast Side and charged with criminal trespass to a residence.
Claim Canaryville man stole merchandise
 |
| Jessie Sulk |
A 31-year-old Canaryville man was charged with retail theft after he allegedly stole several items from a store in the 4900 block of South Kedzie at 7:38 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 21.
Jessie A. Sulk, of the 500 block of West 44th Street, “placed several items into his coat sleeves and attempted to leave without purchasing the items,” a CPD spokesman said.
Police declined to name the store or what Sulk allegedly stole.
According to public records, Sulk has been arrested 10 times by CPD since 2014, on such charges as possession of a controlled substance and urinating on the public way.
Claim Scottsdale man threatened cops, paramedic
 |
| Maurice Lowry |
A 25-year-old Scottsdale man was charged with four counts of aggravated assault after he allegedly threatened a paramedic and three police officers on the street at 4139 W. 79th St. at 4:22 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 22.
Maurice Lowry, of the 8000 block of South Pulaski, was reportedly intoxicated and threatened those responding to a “man down” call.
Lowry is due in court on Dec. 11 to answer the misdemeanor charges.
According to public records, Lowry was arrested in August near 87th and Harper and charged with criminal damage to property and criminal trespass to land.
Cited for littering, then busted on drug rap
 |
| Brandon Pyne |
A 27-year-old man from suburban Worth was charged with possession of a controlled substance after he was arrested at 12:55 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14 outside at 7845 S. Western.
Brandon W. Pyne, of the 7200 block of Southwest Highway, was confronted by police as he reportedly was spotted littering.
While officers were writing a citation, they discovered that Pyne “was in possession of a controlled substance,” a CPD spokesman said, while declining to specify what the substance was.
Arrest man after Archer bar dustup
 |
| Dennis Lanz |
A 26-year-old Garfield Ridge man was charged with reckless conduct after he was arrested on the street in the 6800 block of West Archer at 12:26 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 22.
Dennis J. Lanz, of the 5800 block of South Natchez, was in “an altercation with other individuals,” a CPD spokesman said. “Lanz refused to leave and walked into traffic, causing a safety issue for vehicles and his own person.”
He is due in court on Jan. 10 to answer the misdemeanor charge.
More women busted in sweep of Cicero Avenue
Three more women have been arrested in what appears to be a police sweep of
 |
| Catherine Dolehide |
• 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 6:25 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 21, she was “observed walking back and forth on 48th Street, waving at passing motorists, specifically targeting vehicles with single male occupants."
According to public records, Dolehide has been arrested 15 times by CPD since 2015, on such charges as prostitution, retail theft and criminal trespass to land.
 |
| Tina Godfrey |
• Charged with soliciting a ride on a public roadway was 36-year-old Tina L. Godfrey, of the 2700 block of West Harrison.
According to police, shortly before 6:25 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 21, she was observed walking back and forth on Cicero Avenue near 48th Street, waving at passing motorists.
According to public records, Godfrey has been arrested 10 times by CPD since 2014, on such retail theft, possession of a controlled substance and criminal trespass to a vehicle.
• Charged with soliciting a ride on a public roadway was 35-year-old Tabitha A. Wandell-Koledin, of the 15100 block of South Route 59, Plainfield.
 |
| Tabitha Wandell-Koledin |
According to police, undercover officers spotted her near 47th and Tripp at 6:36 a.m. Friday, Nov. 16, waving down cars.
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Sunday, November 25, 2018
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 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.
* * *
Reputed gang member claims he was shot in alley
A 17-year-old Garfield Ridge boy—said by police to be a gang member--reported that he was shot in the arm as he walked down an alley behind the west side of the 5300 block of South Central at 2:50 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18. The teen told police that he saw a man get out of a two-door black Cadillac and ask him if he belonged to a certain gang. He then flashed the sign of a rival gang, raised a pistol and fired twice, the teen said. He added that the car then sped away north on Central. The victim told police that he then ran home and called a friend for a ride to MacNeal Hospital, where he was treated and listed in good condition. Police scoured the alley for clues but said they did not find evidence of a crime scene.
Want to work directly with Chicago Police to prevent crime in your neighborhood? If you live in Beats 813 or 833 (see map), come to West Lawn Park, 4233 W. 65th St., at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 27 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.
Woman says she was robbed at bank ATM
A 45-year-old West Elsdon woman reported that she was robbed of $150 cash as she left the PNC Bank branch at 5075 S. Archer at 5:48 a.m. Monday, Nov. 12. The victim told police she had just withdrawn the cash from an ATM at the site when a man showed her a gun and took the cash from her. He also reportedly hollered at her in Spanish and used a metal rod to smash a window on her car. He was described as a Hispanic man age 20-30, about 5-foot-7 and 160 pounds, with brown eyes and a medium complexion.
Charge man with violating order of protection
A 45-year-old Clearing man was charged with violating an order of protection after he was arrested at 4:10 p.m. Friday in the 6000 block of South Massasoit.
Joseph Holubek, of the 6200 block of South Nagle, was placed into custody after the victim, a 62-year-old woman, positively identified him as the person she has an order of protection against, a CPD spokesman said.
According to public records, Holubek has been arrested seven times by CPD in the past 21 months, on charges that included domestic battery (four times) and criminal trespass to land.
Claim Berwyn man touched pre-teen girl on thigh
A 28-year-old Berwyn man was charged with battery after he allegedly touched the thigh of a 12-year-old girl while he was in a vehicle with her.
Jose L. Munoz, of the 1400 block of South Scoville, was arrested at his workplace, an auto repair shop in the 5700 block of South Central, at 12:45 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8.
Police said that the incident with the girl occurred in the 6100 block of South Oak Park, at about 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28. Police also said that as Munoz touched the pre-teen’s thigh, he slipped paper money up her leg.
Police declined to explain why the arrest came more than a month after the incident.
Teen girl says man robbed her
A 14-year-old Chicago Lawn girl told police that she was robbed of her cellphone as she walked down a sidewalk in the 4400 block of West 48th Street at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15. The victim claimed that a man cursed her, knocked her to the ground and took her phone before fleeing. He was described as a Hispanic man age 30, 5-foot-2 and 130 pounds, with a medium complexion. He wore a red skull cap. The victim said she was not injured.
Woman pushed to the ground, robbed
A 50-year-old Scottsdale woman was pushed to the ground robbed as she got out of her vehicle in the 7800 block of South Kostner at 10:15 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17. The victim told police that three men in a white SUV drove up next to her vehicle. One man got out and said “Give me your purse.” He then pushed her to the ground, grabbed the purse and got back in the vehicle, which sped away south on Kostner. The victim told police that the purse contained about $250 cash, as well as credit cards and other items. She suffered minor injuries but refused medical care, police said. The robber was described as a black man about 5-foot-9 and 125 pounds, with a dark complexion. He wore a gray hoody and black pants.
Punched in the head, robbed at gunpoint
A 28-year-old Wrightwood man was punched in the head and robbed at gunpoint as he sat in his car in an alley on the east side of the 7900 block of South Kedzie, at 8:50 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17. The victim told police that two men walked up and as one held a gun to his head, the other rummaged through his vehicle. After they took his valuables, one of the robbers took his vehicle keys and flung them atop a nearby garage roof. The robbers then ran away south through the alley and west towards Kedzie. They were described as black men age 19-22, about 5-foot-8 and 140 pounds, wearing hoodies. The victim told police they stole his cellphone, a diamond ring, a gold chain and $2,300 cash. The victim refused medical care, police added.
Kindness to workers results in theft
An 82-year-old West Lawn man told police that $6,000 cash was stolen from his home after he let a worker into his home in the 3600 block of West 69th Street. The victim told police that the worker, who was part of a crew repairing his garage, said he needed access to the home to get hot water. The victim complied, leaving his back door unlocked. He later discovered the cash missing from a room in the house. The police report did not include a description of the workers.
Arrest woman for driving vehicle with stolen plates
A 50-year-old West Side woman was charged with theft after she reportedly was discovered driving a vehicle with stolen license plates affixed.
Michelle L. Colburn, the 800 block of North Damen, was pulled over by police in the 6600 block of West 59th Street at 12:22 a.m. Monday, Nov. 5.
She also was charged with driving on a revoked license, driving without insurance and driving a vehicle without valid registration.
Golf clubs swiped from garage
Burglars broke into a garage in the 6100 block of West 63rd Street and stole four golf clubs and other items. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 70-year-old woman, at 8:32 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16.
Computer, change taken in burglary
Burglars pried open the back door of a home in the 8100 block of South Karlov and stole a jar filled with change, as well as a Google Chrome Book. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 68-year-old woman, about 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14.
Scottsdale woman charged with felony theft
A 21-year-old Scottsdale woman was charged with felony theft while working as an employee at a gas station in Chicago Ridge on Nov. 9. Aaliyah Steward, of the 8600 block of South Komensky, was charged with nine counts of felony theft at the Thornton gas station, 10557 S. Harlem, at 2:27 a.m. Police said the arrest was made after Steward turned herself in following an internal investigation by store management that found that she took $1,212 from cash registers while working there between Sept. 9 and 16. Steward is due in court on Dec. 11.
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 prostitution was 32-year-old Amanda M. Zelgiewicz, of the 4900 block of West 49th Street.
She was arrested at 6:41 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 4 at 4815 W. 48th St.
A CPD spokesman said that Zelgiewicz “solicited an officer working in an under cover capacity, to perform acts in the sexual nature in exchange for currency.”
According to public records, Zelgiewicz has been arrested four times by CPD since 2015, on
charges that included possession of a controlled substance and driving on a suspended license.
• Charged with soliciting a ride on a public roadway was 35-year-old LaShonda R. McClinton, of the 8100 block of South Dorchester.
She was arrested at 6:32 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 1 at 4815 W. 49th St.
A CPD spokesman said that McClinton was spotted waving down cars.
According to public records, McClinton has been arrested four times by CPD since 2014, on charges that included prostitution.
A 17-year-old Garfield Ridge boy—said by police to be a gang member--reported that he was shot in the arm as he walked down an alley behind the west side of the 5300 block of South Central at 2:50 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18. The teen told police that he saw a man get out of a two-door black Cadillac and ask him if he belonged to a certain gang. He then flashed the sign of a rival gang, raised a pistol and fired twice, the teen said. He added that the car then sped away north on Central. The victim told police that he then ran home and called a friend for a ride to MacNeal Hospital, where he was treated and listed in good condition. Police scoured the alley for clues but said they did not find evidence of a crime scene.
* * *
Want to work directly with Chicago Police to prevent crime in your neighborhood? If you live in Beats 813 or 833 (see map), come to West Lawn Park, 4233 W. 65th St., at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 27 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.
* * *
Woman says she was robbed at bank ATM
A 45-year-old West Elsdon woman reported that she was robbed of $150 cash as she left the PNC Bank branch at 5075 S. Archer at 5:48 a.m. Monday, Nov. 12. The victim told police she had just withdrawn the cash from an ATM at the site when a man showed her a gun and took the cash from her. He also reportedly hollered at her in Spanish and used a metal rod to smash a window on her car. He was described as a Hispanic man age 20-30, about 5-foot-7 and 160 pounds, with brown eyes and a medium complexion.
Charge man with violating order of protection
 |
| Joseph Holubek |
A 45-year-old Clearing man was charged with violating an order of protection after he was arrested at 4:10 p.m. Friday in the 6000 block of South Massasoit.
Joseph Holubek, of the 6200 block of South Nagle, was placed into custody after the victim, a 62-year-old woman, positively identified him as the person she has an order of protection against, a CPD spokesman said.
According to public records, Holubek has been arrested seven times by CPD in the past 21 months, on charges that included domestic battery (four times) and criminal trespass to land.
Claim Berwyn man touched pre-teen girl on thigh
 |
| Jose Munoz |
A 28-year-old Berwyn man was charged with battery after he allegedly touched the thigh of a 12-year-old girl while he was in a vehicle with her.
Jose L. Munoz, of the 1400 block of South Scoville, was arrested at his workplace, an auto repair shop in the 5700 block of South Central, at 12:45 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8.
Police said that the incident with the girl occurred in the 6100 block of South Oak Park, at about 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28. Police also said that as Munoz touched the pre-teen’s thigh, he slipped paper money up her leg.
Police declined to explain why the arrest came more than a month after the incident.
Teen girl says man robbed her
A 14-year-old Chicago Lawn girl told police that she was robbed of her cellphone as she walked down a sidewalk in the 4400 block of West 48th Street at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15. The victim claimed that a man cursed her, knocked her to the ground and took her phone before fleeing. He was described as a Hispanic man age 30, 5-foot-2 and 130 pounds, with a medium complexion. He wore a red skull cap. The victim said she was not injured.
Woman pushed to the ground, robbed
A 50-year-old Scottsdale woman was pushed to the ground robbed as she got out of her vehicle in the 7800 block of South Kostner at 10:15 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17. The victim told police that three men in a white SUV drove up next to her vehicle. One man got out and said “Give me your purse.” He then pushed her to the ground, grabbed the purse and got back in the vehicle, which sped away south on Kostner. The victim told police that the purse contained about $250 cash, as well as credit cards and other items. She suffered minor injuries but refused medical care, police said. The robber was described as a black man about 5-foot-9 and 125 pounds, with a dark complexion. He wore a gray hoody and black pants.
Punched in the head, robbed at gunpoint
A 28-year-old Wrightwood man was punched in the head and robbed at gunpoint as he sat in his car in an alley on the east side of the 7900 block of South Kedzie, at 8:50 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17. The victim told police that two men walked up and as one held a gun to his head, the other rummaged through his vehicle. After they took his valuables, one of the robbers took his vehicle keys and flung them atop a nearby garage roof. The robbers then ran away south through the alley and west towards Kedzie. They were described as black men age 19-22, about 5-foot-8 and 140 pounds, wearing hoodies. The victim told police they stole his cellphone, a diamond ring, a gold chain and $2,300 cash. The victim refused medical care, police added.
Kindness to workers results in theft
An 82-year-old West Lawn man told police that $6,000 cash was stolen from his home after he let a worker into his home in the 3600 block of West 69th Street. The victim told police that the worker, who was part of a crew repairing his garage, said he needed access to the home to get hot water. The victim complied, leaving his back door unlocked. He later discovered the cash missing from a room in the house. The police report did not include a description of the workers.
Arrest woman for driving vehicle with stolen plates
 |
| Michelle Colburn |
A 50-year-old West Side woman was charged with theft after she reportedly was discovered driving a vehicle with stolen license plates affixed.
Michelle L. Colburn, the 800 block of North Damen, was pulled over by police in the 6600 block of West 59th Street at 12:22 a.m. Monday, Nov. 5.
She also was charged with driving on a revoked license, driving without insurance and driving a vehicle without valid registration.
Golf clubs swiped from garage
Burglars broke into a garage in the 6100 block of West 63rd Street and stole four golf clubs and other items. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 70-year-old woman, at 8:32 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16.
Computer, change taken in burglary
Burglars pried open the back door of a home in the 8100 block of South Karlov and stole a jar filled with change, as well as a Google Chrome Book. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 68-year-old woman, about 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14.
Scottsdale woman charged with felony theft
A 21-year-old Scottsdale woman was charged with felony theft while working as an employee at a gas station in Chicago Ridge on Nov. 9. Aaliyah Steward, of the 8600 block of South Komensky, was charged with nine counts of felony theft at the Thornton gas station, 10557 S. Harlem, at 2:27 a.m. Police said the arrest was made after Steward turned herself in following an internal investigation by store management that found that she took $1,212 from cash registers while working there between Sept. 9 and 16. Steward is due in court on Dec. 11.
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
 |
| Amanda Zelgiewicz |
• Charged with prostitution was 32-year-old Amanda M. Zelgiewicz, of the 4900 block of West 49th Street.
She was arrested at 6:41 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 4 at 4815 W. 48th St.
A CPD spokesman said that Zelgiewicz “solicited an officer working in an under cover capacity, to perform acts in the sexual nature in exchange for currency.”
According to public records, Zelgiewicz has been arrested four times by CPD since 2015, on
 |
| LaShonda McClinton |
• Charged with soliciting a ride on a public roadway was 35-year-old LaShonda R. McClinton, of the 8100 block of South Dorchester.
She was arrested at 6:32 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 1 at 4815 W. 49th St.
A CPD spokesman said that McClinton was spotted waving down cars.
According to public records, McClinton has been arrested four times by CPD since 2014, on charges that included prostitution.
# # #
Saturday, November 24, 2018
A Fitting Tribute to a Fallen Hero
Opinion by John T. "Red" Ryan
FROM WHAT IS a personal point of view, we may draw on our 34-plus years in the "Glorious Blue" of the CPD. Our assignments were varied; although almost exclusively that of the uniform cop right up to our last port of call in Missing Persons. Looking back on those years we had worked with seven men who gave their lives. Though none were partnered with this writer when they came to the End of Watch, nonetheless, these men were who did their job, tackled whatever assignments that came their way by luck of the draw.
WE'D LIKE TO do a brief run down and salute to each of their memories. They were in pretty much chronological order: Joe Ferguson, John Gillhooly, Wendell Hicks, Martin Darcy, Larry Vincent and John "Corky" Lyons. All of them, except for the last named, were killed by gunfire, with Patrolman Lyons' death coming by way of a fatal auto accident. (On a personal note, John Lyons was a regular partner for some time and was the "big brother" I never had.)
IT HAS BEEN so stated, both in common law and in that which is legislated and written, that a peace officer is defined as, ".....a man or woman who is paid to devote full time to that which is the obligation of every citizen." In doing so while on a tour of duty (shift), it may appear that the cops are hassling folks, being nosy and maybe asking a lot of questions. Well, you may be shocked to hear this, but you are right! So much of being a street cop consists of doing just what we've just described. If the job is being done properly, the cops on the beat will be in and out of the prowl car, checking to see that everything's A-Okay ! There is also an old saying in cop talk circles that says; "If you aren't getting beefs (complaints against cop), you're not doing police work!" It is this last adage that is perhaps the key to so many of our problems with armed gang punks.
SOLVING THIS PROBLEM may not be as difficult as one may think. An increased awareness on the part of our citizenry would greatly improve the situation such as it is. The existence of our neighborhood watches has been a great tool in our creation of a safer, more peaceful and attractive place for residents and businesses alike. But the envelope must be pushed further along. Each household must be educated in how we are not components in achieving perfection, but rather excellence in our daily lives. (Remember, only God is perfect!) But we must consider yet another heretofore widely unrealized flaw in our citizens' makeup. That would be that they are just too doggone tolerant !
THIS SPECIFIC APPLICATION of the virtue known as tolerance is a narrow one and pertains to a very small yet overdeveloped area. We hereby serve notice that our own people are too damn docile and complacent when it comes to street crime in the city as well as the 'burbs. The nightly stick-ups, auto thefts, garage and residential burglaries as well as the general perception that one had better not venture too far from home after dark have become all too commonplace. Our neighborhood watch does its part in identifying trouble spots and in providing the Eighth District personnel with extra sets of eyes. But we have to take this "a giant step for mankind" ahead. Where to start and when is quite a simple answer. the "when" is immediately, if not sooner. The "where" requires a little more application of logistics.
UP TO NOW and for many years past, a citizens' group would air their complaints about the level of police service in one of two places. Some would confront their alderman at his haven (office) right there in the ward. That's not really a bad choice, but there are much better ones. A more common solution was to go over to the local police station and lay their gripes out for the district commander. (Often the commander would come out to a community meeting, as we've seen so often here in "the Ridge.") Either of these last two plans are and have been proven to be just "spinning the wheels." Whereas the alderman, our elected representative, does have great authority, neighborhood solutions don't occur out in the "backwoods."
AS FOR THE idea of taking the fight right to the Chicago Lawn Police Station, well that would be an even bigger waste of time. Those who would follow such a course of action give the Police Department a good deal more credit than it deserves as an being independently functioning organization. Not a single move or policy is put into place at Police HQ, 35th and Michigan's ivory tower, without the OK from City Hall. The department does not function on its own; but rather by closely adhering to whatever is the call from the Fifth Floor, City Hall (Mayor's Office).
WE CAN WELL recall from firsthand experience some years ago having seen and heard this expressed by a lieutenant/watch commander in the Deering (9th) Police District. A group from the Southwest Parish & Neighborhood Federation addressed the lieutenant with their complaints of under-staffing and deployment of officers in their community. Some got very "hot under the collar" when Lt. Friendly (or whatever his name) told them that their fight was with City Hall. He added honestly that he couldn't get one policeman more assigned to the district.
SO NOW, FELLOW citizens, let's do our best in supporting the neighborhood watch, our local constabulary and getting the word to our family, friends,neighbors and parishioners. Get your block organized (such as is the policy in the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch). Talk to your neighbors and please don't hesitate to call the old 911 wherever and whenever something just doesn't look kosher. Don't be shy about calling in suspicious conduct by anyone, particularly by strangers to the community. In just getting to know your neighbors better you'll already be ahead of the game.
AND PLEASE, PLEASE funnel the virtue of tolerance elsewhere other than to the acceptance of our city's high rate of violent crime as being unavoidable, an unchangeable fact of life. Get your displeasure known right downtown in City Hall. Let's do some mega hiring program going to get staffing of the CPD up to a higher level as it once had been. And let's not forget to have the new mayor (whomever he/she may be) get behind the cops' efforts in proactively suppressing the criminal and his anti-social behavior. This will result in a Chicago far different from our title of "Murder Capital, USA."
THIS WOULD BE a great service to everyone and to the memory of Police Officer Samuel Jimenez, who gave his life in service to all. May God love him and keep him! Somehow we're sure He already has!
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John "Red" Ryan is a Garfield Ridge resident, retired Chicago Police officer and a Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch member.
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