Friday, October 29, 2021

Scottsdale Man Charged With Soliciting Teen Girl For Sex, in Sting Operation

By Tim Hadac
Managing Editor
Southwest Chicago Post

A Scottsdale man has been charged with multiple felonies after he allegedly solicited sex from an undercover Cook County Sheriff’s Special Victims Unit Officer who was posing as a minor on a social media app, Sheriff Thomas J. Dart announced today.

On Oct. 21, investigators were working undercover on a social media messaging application posing as a 16-year-old girl when they were allegedly contacted by Feliciano Morales-Diaz, 35, of the 8000 block of South Kedvale.
Morales-Diaz


Over the course of the investigation, Morales-Diaz allegedly sent sexually explicit messages and photos and agreed to meet with the undercover officer to engage in sexual intercourse.

On Wednesday, Oct. 27, officers met with the Morales-Diaz and took him into custody for further investigation. After being read his Miranda rights, Morales-Diaz reportedly told
investigators that he knew he was sending sexually explicit messages and photos to a minor and left his workplace to meet with the minor for sex.

Morales-Diaz appeared in the Cook County Second Municipal District Courthouse in Skokie on Thursday afternoon, where he was issued a $250,000 D Bond on charges of Attempted Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse – a Class 2 felony, Traveling to Meet a Minor – a Class 3 felony, Grooming a Minor – a Class 4 felony, Manufacturing Harmful Material – a Class 4 felony, and Indecent Solicitation of a Minor – a Class 4 felony.

He was released that same day after posting the required 10% of his bond.


Wednesday, October 27, 2021

All Are Invited to Midway Baseball Association's Trunk or Treat Fun

By Joan Hadac
Editor and Publisher
Southwest Chicago Post

Update: The weather forecast of rain on Friday, October 29 has prompted MBA officials to shift gears and reschedule the event for Saturday, October 30.

Grab your orange pens, mark your calendars for Friday, October 29  Saturday, October 30 and get ready for some Halloween fun with the families of the Midway Baseball Association!

The MBA's annual Trunk or Treat event will be held at Madigan Park, 4701 W. Marquette Road.

Trunk or Treat starts from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Judging of decorated vehicles runs from 5:00 to 5:30 p.m. A Halloween costume contest for children age 12 and younger will be judged from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m.

The field's concession stand will be open, selling spooktacular treats.

This Halloween fest is open to everyone, whether you're an MBA family or not. So decorate your vehicle and bring plenty of candy to give to the little ones. Sounds like lots of fun!



The MBA is also accepting donations of candy from folks who perhaps can't be there but want to add to the fun.

If you have questions, please contact Josie Rojas at (773) 633-3625 or josierojas7997@gmail.com.

The non-profit, volunteer-run MBA has provided athletic opportunities to local boys and girls since 1971. MBA is a Pony Affiliated Baseball and Softball League. It attracts players and coaches from across the Southwest Side and nearby suburbs.

Monday, October 25, 2021

Police Seek Three Who May Be Connected to Teen Athlete's Slaying

By Tim Hadac
Managing Editor
Southwest Chicago Post


Check out this video. Two different views shot by a surveillance camera on the southeast corner of 55th and Pulaski.

If you recognize any of these three individuals, please follow instructions in the video.




These three are wanted by police in connection with an execution-style murder that happened at 8:27 p.m. September 25 in the 5400 block of South Avers.

In that slaying, 18-year-old Melissa "Azul" De La Garza, a champion-caliber athlete and recent graduate of Solorio Academy, had just arrived near their family's home when they were shot while sitting in a parked car.
Melissa "Azul" De La Garza

De La Garza was shot multiple times in the torso. They were transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where they were initially listed in critical condition but later died.

Family members said De La Garza had planned on attending the School of the Art Institute of Chicago on a scholarship.

Police described the three boys/men in the video as:

• Hispanic, 16-20 years old, 5’00 – 5’06, wearing a black tank top, black pants, and white shoes.

• Black, 16-20 years old, 5’05 – 5’08, wearing a red hoodie with black stripe, black pants and black shoes.

• Hispanic, 16-23 years, 5’10 - 6’02 wearing a black/white/blue puffy jacket, light colored jeans, red and black gym shoes and a full white head mask with black design.

If you have any information about this incident, please call Area 1 detectives at (312) 747-8380 and refer to case number JE-387304.

Anonymous tips may be submitted to cpdtip.com.



Sunday, October 10, 2021

West Lawn Park to "Go Purple" to Raise Awareness About Domestic Violence

By Tim Hadac
Managing Editor
Southwest Chicago Post

Ever since the Southwest Chicago Post launched in 2012, our news coverage has included reporting on arrests made in the neighborhoods we serve (essentially, the six city neighborhoods closest to the airport).

The arrests we report include cases in which people are charged with domestic battery. A lot of news organizations avoid that because--well, you'd have to ask them.

We don't. We believe domestic violence thrives when otherwise decent folks look the other way and pretend it doesn't exist.

So we won't do that, ever.

To that end, we encourage everyone who can, to join the Chicago Lawn (8th) District CAPS Office and local anti-violence activists in tying purple ribbons around West Lawn Park, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 16.

This is being done to draw attention to the issue, rally support for victims and help build a more humane and just world in which domestic violence is not tolerated.

If you can't be there on Saturday, the CAPS Office asks that you take a photo of yourself wearing something purple, post it to social media and use #WeAreResilient and tag @ChicagoCaps08.

This is an opportunity to mourn those lost to domestic violence, celebrate those who have survived and escaped abusers, and work together to prevent domestic violence in the future. 

As Domestic Violence Awareness Month moves forward, we'll offer a handful of concrete ideas on how all of us can work together to build that better world.

Thanks to the CAPS Office and all those organizing Saturday's event at West Lawn Park, and thanks specifically to CPD Officer Sara Trevino for sharing the news with us.

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 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.


* * *

Arrested at Orange Line terminal

A 51-year-old man was charged with criminal damage to property and resisting a peace officer after he was arrested at the CTA’s Orange Line terminal, 4612 W. 59th St., at 4:25 a.m. Friday, Sept. 17.
Larry Grover

Larry Grover allegedly refused to abide by a CTA employee’s order to get off a bus. Police said when he did get off, he threw a brick at the bus and hit it.

Two counts of assault were added after Grover allegedly made a verbal threat to the bus driver and then spat at a police officer.

According to public records, Grover has been arrested 39 times by CPD since 2015, on such charges as retail theft (23 times), aggravated assault, criminal trespass to property, possession of a controlled substance, battery, criminal trespass to a residence and criminal trespass to land.


Say woman would not leave motel

A 57-year-old woman was charged with criminal trespass to real property after she was arrested at the Saratoga Motel, 7701 S. Cicero, at 12:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 27. Crystal Williams allegedly refused to leave the premises after being told to do so. A motel manager reportedly told police that Williams was a longtime resident there but was no longer welcome.





Say man drove drunk, spat in police officer’s face
Rodriguez



A 21-year-old Pilsen man was charged with DUI, illegally transporting open alcohol in a vehicle, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and unlawful use of cannabis by a driver after he was arrested at 54th and Kostner at 3:54 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19. 

Jesus Rodriguez, of the 1800 block of South Allport, was taken into custody by officers responding to a report of a crash.

A charge of aggravated battery of a peace officer was added after Rodriguez, reportedly resisting being placed into a CPD vehicle, spat in a police officer’s face, a CPD spokesman said.


Hit man with ‘armed habitual criminal’ rap

A 34-year-old Hearst area man was charged with being an armed habitual criminal after he was arrested in the 4400 block of South Lawler at 7:14 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 28.
Gardner


Aldridge A. Gardner was apprehended by police who spotted him walking in the street and detained him after a short foot chase. A pat-down yielded a loaded handgun, as well as substances suspected to be heroin and cocaine, a CPD spokesman said. A computer check revealed Gardner was wanted on three separate warrants—two from out of state—although the spokesman did not say what Gardner was wanted for of which jurisdictions issued the warrants.

According to public records, Gardner has been arrested four times by CPD since 2014 on such charges as criminal trespass to land and possession of a controlled substance. According to the Illinois Department of Corrections, Gardner has past convictions for drug and weapons crimes. In 2016 he was sentenced to six years in prison for a drug crime. He was released on parole in 2018.





Claim man punched woman in the head
Argueta



A 33-year-old Archer Heights man was charged with domestic battery after he was arrested at his home in the 5200 block of South Tripp at 12:20 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 23.

Jhony Argueta allegedly grabbed a 43-year-old woman by the throat and punched her in the head repeatedly during an argument.

According to public records, Argueta was arrested at his home last June and charged with domestic battery.


Charge man with domestic battery

A 41-year-old Scottsdale man was charged with domestic battery after he was arrested at his home in the 4600 block of West 84th Place at 4:50 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 25. Michael J. Hernandez allegedly grabbed a 39-year-old woman by the arms, causing scratches, during an argument, a CPD spokesman said.




Say man violated protection order again
Redd



A 35-year-old Scottsdale man was charged with two counts of violating an order of protection after he was arrested at his home in the 8500 block of South Karlov at 5:47 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 14.

Demetrius A. Redd allegedly violated the terms of a court twice, a 78-year-old woman reportedly told police.

According to public records, Redd has been arrested six times by CPD since 2017 on such charges as violating an order of protection (three times), burglary and criminal trespass to a residence.


Charge woman with domestic battery
Jaramillo



A 21-year-old Archer Heights woman was charged with domestic battery after she was arrested at her home in the 5000 block of South Kostner at 2:53 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 28.


Diamond Marie Jaramillo allegedly stabbed a 27-year-old man during an argument, a CPD spokesman said without elaborating.





Bust Archer Heights teen on weapons charge
Camacho



A 19-year-old Archer Heights man was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon after he was arrested in the 4500 block of South Pulaski at 2:32 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 16.


Brayc Camacho, of the 4900 block of South Keeler, was reportedly found to be in possession of an unloaded handgun, a CPD spokesman said without elaborating.


Claim woman grabbed, scratched older man

A 27-year-old Brighton Park woman was charged with domestic battery after she was arrested at her home in the 4500 block of South Spaulding at 12:40 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 23. Stephanie Cuevas allegedly grabbed the face of a 60-year-old man, scratching him below his eye.


Claim woman punched another woman

A 41-year-old Garfield Ridge woman was charged with battery after she was arrested at her home in the 5100 block of South Neenah at 3:50 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 12.

Julie A. McDermott allegedly punched a 41-year-old woman in the face during an argument, a CPD spokesman said without elaborating.


Charge Indiana woman with retail theft at Jewel
Rouba



A 34-year-old woman from Monticello, Ind. was charged with retail theft after she was arrested at the Jewel-Osco at 6107 S. Archer at 5:50 p.m. Monday, Sept. 20. 

Stephanie Rouba allegedly stole about $100 worth of merchandise, a CPD spokesman said.

Rouba also was wanted on a warrant, although police did not say what she was wanted for or which jurisdiction issued the warrant.


Claim passenger broke train window
A 53-year-old man from suburban Oak Forest was charged with criminal damage to property after he was arrested at the CTA Orange Line terminal, 4612 W. 59th St., at 6:55 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 21. Bren Coral, of the 15700 block of South Lake Drive, allegedly broke the window of a CTA train.


Claim man drove drunk, caused crash
Vasquez



A 30-year-old Back of the Yards man was charged with aggravated DUI, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured vehicle after he was arrested in front of 5874 S. Archer at 11:40 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 11.

Yovani S. Vasquez, of the 5000 block of South Loomis, allegedly was drunk when the vehicle he was driving rear-ended a truck.

According to public records, Vasquez was arrested by CPD near his home in March 2019 and charged with failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, leaving the scene of an accident and driving on a suspended license.





Charge man with domestic battery
Ortiz



A 33-year-old Vittum Park man was charged with domestic battery after he was arrested at his home in the 4800 block of South Lawler at 1:02 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 12. 

Roberto I. Ortiz allegedly hit a 32-year-old woman with a chair and kicked her during an argument.

According to public records, Ortiz was arrested by CPD in October 2015 at 5600 S. Archer and charged with negligent driving and driving on a suspended license.


Threw a bottle at me, woman tells police
A 35-year-old Hearst area man was charged with assault after he was arrested near his home in the 4500 block of South Lamon at 9:15 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 12. Marvin D. Roundy allegedly threw a glass bottle at a woman during an argument. According to public records, Roundy was arrested by CPD in January 2015 on the West Side and charged with aggravated robbery.




Bust man on weapons rap
Triplett


A 25-year-old Waukegan man was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon after he was arrested outside in the 4500 block of South Leclaire at 11:20 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18.

Arthur E. Triplett reportedly was apprehended by officers responding to a “domestic disturbance” call.

A CPD spokesman said Triplett matched a description given and was stopped. He reportedly was found to be carrying a loaded handgun.

Claim man hit woman repeatedly
Baez



A 30-year-old Archer Heights man was charged with domestic battery after he was arrested at his home in the 5200 block of South Keating at 4:36 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 12.


Gilbert Baez allegedly pushed a 29-year-old woman and hit her in the face multiple times, during an argument, a CPD spokesman said.





Charge Summit man with gun crime
Richard



A 29-year-old man from suburban Summit was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon after he was arrested in the 4000 block of West 46th Street at 11:59 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 16.


Andres Richard, of the 7500 block of West 58th Street, was a passenger in a vehicle illegally parked on a sidewalk, a CPD spokesman said, adding that a search yielded a loaded handgun.



Claim woman violated court order
Boose



A 30-year-old woman from suburban Burnham was charged with violating an order of protection after she was arrested outside in the 8100 block of South Springfield at 7:34 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15.

Alexia R. Boose, if the 14500 block of South Manistee, allegedly harassed a 56-year-old woman, in violation of a court order.

According to public records, Boose was arrested by CPD in December 2019 during a traffic stop near 71st and Hamilton and charged with obstruction of identification.




Charge man with sexual assault
Rivera-Jimenez



A 36-year-old Chrysler Village man was charged with criminal sexual assault after he was arrested at his home in the 6400 block of South Lorel at 2:40 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7.


Felix R. Rivera-Jimenez allegedly molested a teenage girl—a family member--in 2019-20, a CPD spokesman, declining to elaborate.


Claim man damaged storm door
Seija


A 29-year-old West Lawn man was charged with criminal damage to property after he was arrested at his residence in the 3900 block of West 70th Street at 5:10 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 12.

Carlos Seija allegedly damaged a storm door on the house where he lives. He also was wanted on two warrants, but a CPD spokesman declined to say what Seija was wanted for or what jurisdiction issued the warrants.

According to public records, Seija has been arrested eight times by CPD since 2019 on such charges as domestic battery, violating an order of protection, assault, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, illegal possession of ammunition and violating parole by making contact with a streetgang member.



Joliet man charged with DUI in West Lawn
Hobbs



A 57-year-old Joliet man was charged with aggravated DUI, as well as illegally transporting open alcohol in a vehicle, after he was arrested at 67th and Springfield at 4:43 pm. Saturday, Sept. 18.


Vincent Neal Hobbs was encountered by officers as he attempted to change a flat tire on his vehicle, a CPD spokesman said.



Claim suburban woman drove drunk, crashed
Kolodziej



A 35-year-old woman from suburban Elmwood Park was charged with DUI and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident after she was arrested in the 5900 block of South Merrimac at 1:35 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 25.


Lucyna Kolodziej, of the 2800 block of North Harlem, reportedly was the driver of a vehicle that struck a parked vehicle.




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