Civic Leaders Cheer Cicero Ave. Arrests

April 28, 2018, 7:50 pm

≪ Previous: Rahm Names Committee to Examine 23rd Ward Aldermanic Candidates

Are busts routine or sign of change ahead?

By Tim Hadac
Managing Editor
Southwest Chicago Post

Less than 10 days after Chicago Police Supt. Eddie Johnson made a public vow to rid Cicero Avenue of streetwalking sex workers and related crime, police on the ground appeared to be making good on the top cop’s promise.

Four recent arrests appear to be a step in that direction, although none of the women apprehended was accused of prostitution. Three of the four were charged with soliciting a ride on a public road, a legal tool police use against streetwalkers and others.

Each was arrested on or near Cicero Avenue, between 46th Street on the north and 51st Street on the south.

Charged with felony possession of a controlled substance

Crystal King

and possession of drug paraphernalia was 36-year-old Crystal G. King, of the 4900 block of West Huron. She was arrested in the 4600 block of South Lamon at 12:25 p.m. Sunday, April 22. Police would only say said she was spotted in a vehicle “participating in narcotics activity.”

According to public records, King has been arrested at least 19 times by CPD, going back to 2014. Four of those arrests were for soliciting rides on a public road—most recently in February of this year.

Two days before King’s most recent arrest—at 6:45 a.m.

Dawn Schackart

Friday, April 20--police apprehended Dawn Schackart, 35, of the 3200 block of South Wallace, in the 5000 block of South Cicero and charged her with soliciting a ride on a public road.

Just five minutes before Schackart was arrested, police apprehended 39-year-old Katie E. Howard in the 4800 block of South Cicero and charged her with the same crime. Howard, of the 4500 block of South Lawler, has been arrested three times this year by CPD: once for driving without a license and

Katie Howard

another time for operating an unregistered motor vehicle.

Finally, police arrested Megan M. Rudnick, 37, of the 4500 block of South Lawler, at 7:35 a.m., Thursday, April 19 in the 4900 block of South Cicero. She was charged with soliciting a ride on a public road.

Whether the arrests are a reaction to Johnson’s pledge—made April 11 to members of the Archer Heights Civic Association—or whether they reflect ongoing work directed

Megan Rudnick

by Chicago (8th) District Commander Ronald Pontecore remains to be seen.

Either way, reaction from leaders in Archer Heights and Vittum Park was swift.

“From both the Archer Heights Civic Association and the Gateway to Midway Committee, we are very glad to see action being taken regarding the streetwalkers on Cicero and have no doubt it is Commander Pontecore working in concert with Superintendent Johnson,” said AHCA President Thomas S. Baliga, also a principal organizer of the Gateway to Midway Committee. “We only hope this current initiative is not just a one-shot deal, but a response to the request from both the AHCA and GTMC to the Superintendent for an ongoing police tactical presence on Cicero to permanently rid the area, including the adjacent residential streets, of streetwalkers.”

Baliga added that in a conversation with an out-of-state developer of one of the Cicero Avenue revitalization projects, “they informed me they were warned about the prostitutes, but had not yet seen any during their visits to the site. Such discussion among developers can be catastrophic for Cicero Avenue revitalization. The prostitute situation has to be rectified once and for all.”

Vittum Park Civic League Vice President Holly Petroschuk, who also is the longtime facilitator for CAPS Beat 814 meetings, applauded the recent arrests and said she sees them as a reflection of efforts made under Pontecore’s leadership.

“The commander continues to appear to be doing all he can with the resources he has available, and we applaud him for that,” she said. “Our concern remains about what the superintendent promised. We look forward to seeing his plan of action, learning about what additional law enforcement resources will be brought to this area, understanding what his timelines are and knowing what our role is as citizens living right here near Cicero.”

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Crime News Update

May 3, 2018, 5:50 pm

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≪ Previous: Civic Leaders Cheer Cicero Ave. Arrests

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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Gage Park mom stabbed, dies two days before wedding
A 28-year-old Gage Park woman was stabbed to death two days before her wedding,

Carolina González

leaving behind an eight-year-old son. Carolina González, of the 5600 block of Sacramento, was apparently stabbed as she sat in a car parked in front of 5959 S. Sacramento at 9:26 p.m. Wednesday, April 25. Witnesses told police that they saw González get pushed out of the car and stumble to the ground. The driver of the vehicle—described only as a Hispanic or light-skinned black man—reportedly got out of the car, ran over to the victim and said, “Sh~t, sh~t, sh~t” before running away east on 60th Street. González, suffering from a stab wound to her chest, was transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 10:10 p.m. The killer remains at large. González’ son was turned over to the state Department of Children and Family Services temporarily. González had emigrated from Colombia to the U.S. in 2016. Her body will be taken back there for burial. Relatives told a Univisión reporter that González recently received death threats from an acquaintance, but she did not report them to police.

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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 St. Symphorosa School, 6135 S. Austin, at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 9 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 Clearing woman in Canaryville shooting
A 23-year-old Clearing woman was ordered held without bond after she was charged with

Senia Malewski

one felony count of aggravated battery in connection with a shooting that occurred in Canaryville. Senia Malewski, of the 6400 block of South Austin, was arrested at her residence at about 9 p.m. Thursday, April 19. The crime occurred at 10:47 p.m. Wednesday, April 11 at a home in the 500 block of West 44th Street. Police said Malewski “entered the victim's residence…at which time with another offender attempted to enter the residence, but the door was closed on him.” The male offender, identified by police as 23-year-old Bridgeport resident Eric Blake, allegedly drew a pistol and shot the victim, a 46-year-old man, in the chest and right arm. Despite being shot, the victim reportedly was able to close the door and prevent the would-be home invaders from entering. Police said that Malewski “then met up with [Blake] at the back of the residence and they fled the scene together.” The victim was later transported to Stroger Hospital, where he was listed in serious condition. Police added that they later recovered a handgun from the 4500 block of South Wentworth. Malewski’s next court date is Friday, May 11 at 51st and Wentworth—the same as Blake, who also is being held without bond.

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Say Indiana man beat suburban man at Orange Line terminal
A 36-year-old man from Fort Wayne, Ind. was charged with aggravated battery after he

Tituse James

allegedly beat a 46-year-old Tinley Park man at the CTA Orange Line terminal at 4612 W. 59th St. at 1:31 p.m. Saturday, April 28. Tituse D. James, of the 300 block of West Superior Street, reportedly hit the victim over the head with a wine bottle and then punched him repeatedly. Police said they found the victim lying on the ground, bleeding from the top of his head and with a right eye swollen shut. They added that James was standing over the victim, swinging his fists wildly. They ordered him to stop, and he was arrested without incident. The victim was transported by CFD ambulance to Advocate Christ Medical Center. Witnesses told police that the victim was sitting on a concrete planter and did nothing to provoke the attack. James was ordered held without bond and is due in court today at 51st and Wentworth.

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Want to work directly with Chicago Police to prevent crime in your neighborhood? If you live in Beat 814 (see map), come to Vittum Park, 5010 W. 50th Street, at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 10 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.

Man makes threat, robs Walgreens
A man who may have been armed robbed the Walgreens at 7150 S. Archer at 9:10 a.m. Wednesday, April 25, making off with about $500 cash. A 27-year-old cashier told police that the robber walked in, grabbed an insulated cooler off a shelf, walked up to her and said, “Give me all the f~cking money, b~tch, or I’ll shoot you.” The cashier complied and the robber ran out the door, across the parking lot and across Archer Avenue. He was described as a black man age 35-50, about 5-foot-6 and 160 pounds with a “bald” hairstyle and a dark complexion.

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Elderly man says robber stole $2,000 from him
A 70-year-old Garfield Ridge man reported that he was robbed as he walked down a sidewalk in front of 5760 S. Archer at 9 a.m. Thursday, April 26. The victim told police that an attacker pushed him to the ground and rummaged through his pockets. The victim said that $2,000 cash was taken from him. The robber was described as a white man about 40 years old, 5-foot-10 and 175 pounds.

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Police chase, bust man for home burglary
A 40-year-old man was charged with burglary and criminal trespass to land after he

Victor Visinaiz

allegedly burglarized a home in the 5500 block of South Kolin at about 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 25. Victor Visinaiz was apprehended while he was found hiding in a yard at 5632 S. Kolmar, according to police, who initially responded to a call about a man stealing packages off porches in the West Elsdon area. Police said they spotted Visinaiz at 56th and Kostner, riding a bicycle and carrying two large bags. When confronted by police, he reportedly jumped off the bike, dropped the bags and fled east through a nearby gangway. Police added that the bags contained numerous household items, as well as a number of wristwatches, a jar with coins inside and a PlayStation 4 video game console. Police combing the area said they spotted, chased and detained Visinaiz, adding that they searched him and found a knife and a screwdriver. Police said they then logged into the video game console and learned that its owner lived in the 5500 block of South Kolin. They drove there and discovered that the back door of the home had been pried open. The homeowner arrived and his description of what missing matched what was found on Visinaiz, police said. The property was returned to the victim.

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Bogan students apprehended after classroom melee
A fight among students of Bogan High School, described as chaotic by a school security

Mikhal Wynn

officer, resulted in the arrest five teenagers. Witnesses told police that the melee began in Room 227 at about 10:55 a.m. Monday, April 23, when 18-year-old Mikhal Wynn, of the 3400 block of West 83rd Street, allegedly punched a 17-year-old boy in the face. Other students jumped in and started to fight. The teacher in the class, a 51-year-old man, attempted to break up the fight but was reportedly punched in the shoulder and pushed into a wall by Wynn. A security officer trying to break up the fight was punched in the eye by one of the students. More security officers responded, and the teens were detained and turned over to police, who brought them to the Eighth District station and later to the Juvenile Intervention Support Center at 39th and California, where they awaited pickup by their parents.

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West Lawn retailer allegedly sold cigs without tax stamps
Justice resident Issa A. Shehadh, 23, of the 8100 block of South Thomas, was arrested by

Issa Shehadh

police on Tuesday, April 24 at a convenience store where he works--at 6832 S. Pulaski.

Police said that Shehadh sold a pack of cigarettes bearing an out-of-state tax stamp.

They added that his arrest "followed numerous complaints given to the alderman's office regarding the establishment...selling illegal cigarettes."

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Construction site on 47th Street burglarized
Burglars broke into a construction site at 4700 S. Pulaski and stole a generator, a chop box, a miter box, a frame nailer, a power stapler and two fans. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 51-year-old man representing a Villa Park construction firm, at 5:30 a.m. Monday, April 23.

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Burglars use cinder block to smash windows
Burglars used a cinder block to smash the glass front doors of the Cricket wireless store at 5133 S. Cicero at 4:26 a.m. Friday, April 27. The crime was discovered by police responding to a burglar alarm. A Cricket district manager who arrived later told police that it appeared that four wireless speakers were missing.

Alarm at wireless store not false
Burglars smashed the front window of the Metro PCS store at 8117 S. Pulaski at about 4 a.m. Friday, April 27. The crime was discovered when an alarm was triggered, but the business owner—alerted by an alarm company—reportedly ignored the alert, thinking it was a false alarm. An employee arriving for work in the morning called police to alert them to the situation. It was initially unclear exactly what has been stolen.

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Burglars hit apartment on 63rd Street
Burglars forced open the front door of an apartment in the 5300 block of West 63rd Street and stole two TVs, two designer purses, a video game console and two DVDs. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 44-year-old woman, at 5:40 p.m. Wednesday, April 25.

No sign of forced entry in Clearing heist
Burglars entered a garage in the 6500 block of West 64th Place and stole a power washer. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 32-year-old woman, who added that she saw no sign of forced entry.

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Nothing missing in Kilpatrick garage burglary
Burglars broke into a garage in the 5200 block of South Kilpatrick and broke into a vehicle parked inside—but nothing appeared to be stolen, according to the victim, a 31-year-old woman. The crime was discovered at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 28, when the victim saw the garage’s overhead door open.

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Police bust two more in 'streetwalker' crackdown on Cicero Avenue
Since the Southwest Chicago Post broke the news a few days ago, about arrests near 48th and Cicero--full story here--police have arrested two more women, apparently in connection with CPD Supt. Eddie Johnson's public vow to rid the strip of prostitution, illegal

Sarah Esposito

drug sales and other criminal activity.

• Charged with soliciting a ride on a public road was 29-year-old Sarah S. Esposito.

She was arrested at 47th and Keating at 6:44 a.m. Wednesday, April 25.

According to public records, Esposito has been arrested five times by CPD in the past four years—once for soliciting a ride near 48th and Cicero in October 2015.

• Also charged with soliciting a ride on a public road was 26-year-old Carol A. Friedberg.

She was arrested in the 4800 block of South Cicero at 6:50 a.m. Wednesday, April 25.

Carol Friedberg

According to public records, Friedberg—originally from the Central Illinois community of Oakwood--has been arrested six times by CPD in the last four years—three times for prostitution on the North and West Sides.

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Crime News Update

May 7, 2018, 2:55 pm

≫ Next: Senior Center Throws Anniversary Party

≪ Previous: Crime News Update

* * *

Scottsdale teen beaten with baseball bat
A 15-year-old Scottsdale boy was in stable but serious condition at Advocate Christ Medical Center after he was beaten with a baseball bat by three attackers. The crime occurred just before 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 5 on the street in front of 8023 S. Kilpatrick. A witness told police that three thugs jumped out of a tan Toyota Camry, beat the victim with a baseball bat and then got back in the car and sped away south. The criminals were described as Hispanic men age 18-22, about 5-foot-10 with short black hair. The victim was taken to the hospital by CFD ambulance. He was treated for broken ribs, a punctured lung and a possible skull fracture.

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Whacked in head, robbed near home
An 82-year-old Garfield Ridge man was hit in the head and robbed as he left his home in the 5200 block of South Linder at 9:30 p.m. Monday, April 30. The victim told police that three thugs approached him, with one hitting him in the back of the head with a blunt object. They went through his pockets and stole $100 cash, his wallet and a set of house and car keys. The attackers were described only as black or Hispanic men.

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Attacker pepper-sprays elderly woman in face
A 74-year-old Garfield Ridge woman was pepper sprayed in the face during an attempted robbery on a sidewalk in front of 5750 S. Archer at 2:15 p.m. Monday, April 30. The victim told police she had just gotten off work and was dropped off at Archer and Lorel by a friend. Moments later, as she was walking home, the attack occurred. As she was struggling to hang onto her purse, a Good Samaritan intervened and scared off the attacker, who fled empty-handed. The victim was transported by CFD ambulance to MacNeal Hospital, where she was treated and released. The attacker was described only as a woman.

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Masked man robs cellphone store
A masked bandit robbed the Boost Mobile store at 5101 S. Cicero, making off with about $700 cash. The crime occurred at 3:06 p.m. Saturday, May 5. Store employees told police that a man entered, waved a gun and said, “Don’t move. Give me f~cking money.” He handed employees a paper McDonald’s bag, and they emptied cash registers. The thug then grabbed the bag, exited the store and ran away north on Cicero. The criminal was described as a black man age 25-27, about 5-foot-6 and 130 pounds with a dark complexion. He wore a dark blue hoody, light blue jeans and white gym shoes.

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Robbed after visiting his aunt
A 25-year-old Chicago Lawn man was robbed at gunpoint on the sidewalk in front of 4800 S. Cicero at 10:20 p.m. Tuesday, May 1. The victim told police that he had just left his aunt’s home when he was approached by two men asking him if he wanted marijuana. When he ignored them, one of them pulled a gun and demanded his valuables. He surrendered his cellphone, backpack, $100 cash, gym shoes and other belongings, The robbers then ran away. They were described as black men age 25-26, about 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds, with light complexions. One wore a green North Face sweater and blue jeans. The other wore a black sweater and black jeans.

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Teen swipes iPhone from store
A young boy or man stole a red iPhone from the T-Mobile store at 5123 S. Pulaski at 3:08 p.m. Saturday, May 5. An employee told police that the thief entered with another person who posed as a customer and asked questions of sales staff. The thief walked behind a counter, grabbed the phone off a display and ran away north on Pulaski. The other person stayed in the store but was asked to leave. The thief was described as a black boy or man age 15-20, about 5-foot-6, wearing a gray beanie, a gray hoodie and gray sweatpants with a Nike logo.

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More women busted in sweep of Cicero Ave.
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 road was 44-year-old Maricela Gonzalez, of the

Maricela Gonzalez

5000 block of South Kolmar.

She was arrested in the 4800 block of South Cicero at 7:03 a.m. Wednesday, May 2.

According to public records, Gonzalez has been arrested three times by CPD in the past two years: once last month for criminal trespass to vehicles near 47th and Sacramento and one in 2016 for retail theft near 46th and Western.

• At the same time and place, police arrested 42-year-old Vanessa Rincon, of the 1500

Vanessa Rincon

block of South Homan, and charged her with soliciting a ride on a public road.

• Charged with soliciting a ride on a public road was 30-year-old Michelle Sanchez, of north

Michelle Sanchez

suburban Antioch.

She was arrested in the 4800 block of South Cicero at 6:20 a.m. Monday, April 30.

Nab four for reckless conduct on Archer
Four men were charged with reckless conduct after they allegedly caused a disturbance on

Khalil Ramsey

the street in front of 6221 S. Archer at about 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 24.

Arrested were Khalil Ramsey, 21, and Rasann Ramsey, 18, of the 4600 block of South La Crosse; Zion Haygood, 19, of the 6500 block of South Paulina; and Darnell Glover, 18, of the 4400 block of South Lavergne.

Police responding to a “battery in progress” call said they “observed the listed offenders running in and out of traffic while shouting obscenities at another group. They refused orders to stop obstructing traffic and were subsequently placed into custody.”

Rasann Ramsey

Zion Haygood

Darnell Glover

Police investigate arson at barbershop
A fire at the Platinum Fades barbershop, 4718 S. Pulaski, appears to be arson, police said earlier this week. The fire occurred just before 3:15 a.m. Saturday, May 5. The owner, a 31-year-old man, told police that his employees left the business at about 11 p.m. the night before. No one is in custody and no one was injured in the fire, which was extinguished by multiple CFD units.

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No sign of forced entry in pizzeria heist
Burglars entered the side door of the Slice Factory pizzeria at 4422 S. Pulaski and stole two 55-inch TVs in boxes. The crime occurred at 11:28 p.m. Monday, April 30 but was not reported to police until three days later by the owner, a 75 year-old North Side woman. There was no sign of forced entry, and surveillance footage only showed that the burglars were men wearing hoodies.

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Man fingers former caretaker in burglary
A 67-year-old Vittum Park man reported that someone burglarized his apartment in the 5000 block of West 47th Street, while he was away at a hospital for several days. Taken were a TV, two pistols and a set of knives. The victim told police that a former caretaker stole the items, using a swipe card to gain access to the building and his apartment. When contacted, a North Side caretaking service that employed the 47-year-old man said he had not shown up for work in recent days. The suspect remains at large.

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No sign of forced entry in apartment burglary
Burglars entered an apartment in the 4400 block of West 55th Street and stole a TV and a video game console. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 23-year-old man, at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, May 3. There was no sign of forced entry, and the victim told police that he had been missing a set of keys to the unit.

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Garage burglarized on 58th Place
Burglars forced open the service door of a garage in the 4000 block of West 58th Place and stole a stereo, a speaker and two car tires. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 55-year-old man, at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, May 3.

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Cash swiped in Harlem heist
Burglars entered the rear window of an apartment in the 5600 block of South Harlem and stole about $670 cash. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 48-year-old woman, at 4:15 a.m. Saturday, May 5.

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Garage burglars flee when they see homeowner
A 41-year-old West Elsdon man scared away two men burglarizing his garage in the 5600 block of South Kildare at 3:30 a.m. Sunday, May 6. The victim told police he was awakened by two loud noises. When he looked out his window, he saw two men burglarizing his garage. They were dressed in black and had pulled up in a black Lincoln truck-like vehicle. When the burglars saw him watching them, they fled without stealing anything.

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Senior Center Throws Anniversary Party

May 8, 2018, 1:17 pm

≫ Next: Crime News Update

≪ Previous: Crime News Update

Our friends at the Garfield Ridge Satellite Senior Center have asked us to spread the word about their 22nd Anniversary Party, set for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, June 14 at Mayfield Banquets, 6072 S. Archer.

Tickets are $35 per person. There will be a family-style lunch (cream of broccoli soup, tossed salad, roast chicken with dumplings, roast beef with gravy, Italian sausage with peppers, glazed carrots, kolacky, coffee, tea or milk and a cash bar.

Dance music provided by D.J. Chico.

There also will be a raffle, a door prize and a guessing game.

This party serves as a fundraiser for the Southwest Side Senior Service Organization, which runs the Garfield Ridge Satellite Senior Center.

For details, call (312) 745-4255 or click on the flyer below.

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↧

Crime News Update

May 16, 2018, 9:04 pm

≫ Next: Be Careful After Storm Damage, SW Side Homeowners Advised

≪ Previous: Senior Center Throws Anniversary Party

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Shot in Kildare alley, man says
In what police are describing as a gang-related crime, a 34-year-old Berwyn man said he was shot in the right calf as he walked down an alley in the 4700 block of South Kildare at 10:30 p.m. Friday, May 11. The victim told police he was walking in the alley when he asked another man for a lighter. The other man reportedly replied, “You’re in the wrong area to be asking for a lighter, but I got something for you.” The man then reportedly walked to a gray Jeep, reached under a seat, grabbed a handgun, hollered a gang slogan and fired 5-6 shots at the victim before fleeing. The shooter was described as a Hispanic man age 18-19, about 5-foot-8 and 160 pounds, with a dark complexion and a “bald” hairstyle. After he was shot, the victim said he ran to 47th and Kolin, where he called a woman he knows. She drove to the site, picked up the victim and took him to his home. On Saturday morning, the victim told his mother he had been shot. She transported him to Loyola University Medical Center, where he was listed in good condition. While the victim was at the hospital, Berwyn Police officials said they would take him into custody for burglary and aggravated fleeing, in relation to an unrelated crime.

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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, May 22 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.

Man beaten, robbed in front of girlfriend
A 40-year-old Englewood man was beaten and robbed as he and his 39-year-old girlfriend walked down an alley behind 4553 S. Lawler at about 3 p.m. Thursday, May 10. The girlfriend told police that they were confronted by four thugs who demanded the victim’s cellphone. When the victim refused, he was punched in the head, knocked to the ground and hit on the back of the head with a brick. The attackers took his cellphone and fled on foot. They were described only as black men age 20-35. The victim was transported by CFD ambulance to Advocate Christ Medical Center, where he was listed in stable condition and was treated for a cut on the back of his head and a broken left wrist.

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Charged with trying to rob elderly woman
A 46-year-old Brighton Park man was charged with attempted robbery after he allegedly

Mastache

tried to steal a 67-year-old Archer Heights woman’s purse and bag of groceries. Francisco Mastache, of the 4400 block of South Sawyer, allegedly followed the victim on foot and attacked her outside her home in the 4900 block of South Karlov at 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 9. The victim said he punched her in the head as they struggled. The attacker then fled empty-handed. A short time later, police combing the area apprehended Mastache as he walked down a sidewalk in front of 4955 S. Pulaski. He was brought back to the crime scene, where the victim positively identified him, police added. According to public records, Mastache has been arrested 11 times by CPD since 2014, on such charges as violating an order of protection, urinating on the public way, retail theft, criminal trespass to land and unlawful use of a blackjack or knife.

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Police say two men robbed teen girls
A 25-year-old Archer Heights man was charged with one felony count of aggravated robbery

Centeno

after he and another man allegedly used a gun to rob a 13-year-old girl in the 3400 block of West 57th Street at 12:52 a.m. Friday, May 4.

Emanuel Centeno, of the 5200 block of South Kildare, was ordered held on $50,000 bond and was due in court Wednesday at 51st and Wentworth.

Also charged with aggravated robbery was Rudy Mendez, 24, of the 4600 block of South Drake.

Mendez allegedly participated in the robbery with Centeno, and he allegedly robbed a second 13-year-old girl at the scene.

Mendez was ordered held without bond. His next court date is May 29 at 51st and

Mendez

Wentworth.

Police did not say what was taken from the victims or if their property was returned.

According to public records, Mendez has been arrested five times by CPD since 2014 for such offenses as aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and possession of a controlled substance.

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Tow truck crew robs man on 47th Street
A 26-year-old Back of the Yards man was pulled from his vehicle and robbed in a crime that occurred on the street in front of 4702 S. Cicero at 2:10 a.m. Monday, May 14. The victim told police that when he saw a black tow truck’s lights flashing behind him, he pulled over. Two men got out of the tow truck, pulled him from his vehicle and took his valuables, including a cellphone and a wallet with credit cards, $80 cash and other items. The robbers then got back in the tow truck and sped away. They were described only as Hispanic men about 5-foot-10.

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More women busted in sweep of Cicero Ave.
Three more women have been arrested in what appears to be a police sweep of streetwalking

DeBerry

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 violating a warrant was 20-year-old Claire DeBerry, of the 2200 block of South Ridgeway.

She was arrested while standing in the 5000 block of South Cicero at 2:35 p.m. Tuesday, May 8. Police did not disclose details of the warrant.

According to public records, DeBerry has been arrested four times by CPD in the past 11 months, including a prostitution bust at 61st and Ashland last summer.

• Charged with violating a warrant was 40-year-old Kathy Price, of the 10100 block of South

Price

La Salle Street.

She was arrested while standing in the 4800 block of South Cicero at 6:16 a.m. Tuesday, May 8. Police did not disclose details of the warrant.

According to public records, Price has been arrested nine times by CPD since 2014, including battery and possession of a controlled substance.

• Charged with soliciting a ride on a public roadway was 28-year-old Amy E. Gabris, of the

Gabris

600 block of McAlister Avenue, in north suburban Waukegan.

She was arrested at 47th and Keating at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, May 12. She also was wanted on a warrant. Police did not disclose details of the warrant.

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Traffic stop yields hot vehicle, three arrests
An 18-year-old West Elsdon man was charged with felony possession of a stolen vehicle

Mercado

during a traffic stop in the 5700 block of South Keeler at 2:12 a.m. Sunday, May 6.

Roberto Mercado, of the 5500 block of South Kolin, was the driver of the vehicle, which police said had been reported stolen from the 3400 block of West 52nd Street the day before.

Mercado also was charged with two misdemeanors: using an alley as a through-street and driving without a license.

Two passengers in the vehicle were charged with misdemeanor criminal trespass to a vehicle: Marcos German, 18, of the 3800 block of West 57th Street; and Ricardo Reyes, 27, of the 5100 block of South Sawyer.

According to public records, Reyes has been arrested nine times by CPD since 2014, on

German

charges that included reckless conduct, urinating on the public way and possession of a controlled substance.

Reyes

Man busted again for defacing property
A 21-year-old Brighton Park man was charged with misdemeanor “graffiti on CTA” and

Jose Reyes

misdemeanor criminal damage/deface property after he allegedly sprayed graffiti on a CTA Orange Line train at about 3 a.m. Thursday, May 3.

Jose J. Reyes, of the 4500 block of South Archer, was apprehended by police in the 4800 block of South Archer, police said, after a CTA employee told them that he had sprayed graffiti on a train.

According to public records, Reyes has been arrested eight times by CPD since 2015—six times for criminal defacement of property, twice in the same day in June 2016.

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Burglars steal, sell man’s scrap
Burglars forced open the service door of a garage in the 4700 block of South Keating and stole $81 worth of scrap copper. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 72-year-old man, at about 5 a.m. Thursday, May 10. Upon discovering the crime, the victim visited a nearby recycling company and learned that the scrap copper stolen from his garage had been sold to the company by a Hearst area man. Police are investigating.

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Burglars hit garage on Rutherford
Burglars entered a garage in the 5800 block of South Rutherford and stole a lawnmower and assorted tools. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 31-year-old man, at about 3 p.m. Friday, May 11.

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Garage burglarized for second time in two years
Burglars pried open the service door of a garage in the 4400 block of South Kilpatrick and stole a snow blower and two toolboxes. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 63-year-old man, at 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, May 9. The victim told police his garage has been burglarized twice in two years.

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↧

Be Careful After Storm Damage, SW Side Homeowners Advised

May 17, 2018, 8:15 am

≫ Next: Crime News Update

≪ Previous: Crime News Update

Local man serves as homeowners’ advocate

By Tim Hadac
Managing Editor
Southwest Chicago Post

The sometimes-sudden, severe storms springtime brings to the Southwest Side can leave quite a bit in their wake: downed trees and power lines, damaged roofs and fast-talking quick-fix guys who seem to come out of nowhere.

“The morning after the last storm passed, there were

branches, leaves and even a few [roof] shingles on my front lawn,” said Garfield Ridge resident Bill Wajda. “The only thing that wasn’t blown all over the place were the three—three—advertising leaflets from three different guys offering to fix my roof, all stuffed in my storm door.”

Wajda said he didn’t recognize any of the companies named on the leaflets and that none of their phone numbers appeared to be local. He threw all three in the trash.

Such businesses are known as storm chasers. Everyone, from the Better Business Bureau to local chambers of commerce, warn against them.

“Although not all storm chasers are scammers, they may lack the proper licensing for your area, offer quick fixes, or make big promises they can’t deliver,” cautioned the BBB in a recent statement.

“Be careful, check references and make sure you’re dealing

Geno Randazzo (right) and Al Cacciottolo

with a reputable, local business owner with a track record of success,” added Garfield Ridge business owner Al Cacciottolo, who publicly recommended Southwest Side native Geno Randazzo after a recent wave of high-wind storms pounded the area. “Geno will represent you when you deal with your insurance company, he will work to get you what you deserve from them, and his company will make all repairs necessary. Hundreds of the better roofs in this area—homes and businesses alike—are there because of Geno’s work.”

Randazzo’s business, All Exterior Contractors—licensed, bonded, insured and a member of the Garfield Ridge Chamber of Commerce—is known for quality home repairs at a reasonable price.

He also has been visible in the community over the last several years, helping sponsor drives to assist military veterans, local school children and Thanksgiving dinners for senior citizens.

What sets Randazzo apart from others is that he also serves as a public claims adjuster—a licensed professional who can and has gotten insurance companies to pay what they should pay homeowners.

“Just about everybody likes their local insurance agent—it may be a friend, a relative, an old classmate—but all too often, it’s a different story when people have to deal with the big insurance companies,” Randazzo said. “Keep in mind, that big insurance company you’ve been paying premiums to for years and years does not represent you. They represent themselves. I have heard story after story where homeowners had thousands of dollars in storm damage, only to have their insurance company cut them a check in the hundreds. They got short-changed; and since they didn’t know their rights, they didn’t know what to do.”

“What I tell people is, call me first at (708) 705-7900—before you call your insurance agent, before you contact your insurance company to make a claim,” Randazzo added. “I will show you how I will work on your behalf, representing you, to get what you deserve.”

Click here to see two testimonials.

# # #

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↧

Crime News Update

May 24, 2018, 9:14 am

≫ Next: Construction Jobs Available For School Annex Project in Brighton Park

≪ Previous: Be Careful After Storm Damage, SW Side Homeowners Advised

* * *

Shot in legs while sitting in vehicle
A 22-year-old man was shot in both legs in a crime that occurred in the 4500 block of West 66th Place at about 1:25 a.m. Friday, May 18. The victim was taken to Holy Cross Hospital, where he was listed in stable condition. Police said the victim was sitting inside a vehicle when a gunman began to fire shots into the vehicle. No one is in custody.

* * *

Want to work directly with Chicago Police to prevent crime in your neighborhood? If you live in Beats 815 or 821 (see map), come to St. Bruno School (south entrance) 4839 S. Harding, at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 6 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.

Suburban man beaten on 47th Street
A 35-year-old man from suburban Round Lake Beach was beaten as he stood in front of 4120 W. 47th St. shortly before 11 p.m. Sunday, May 20. Police responding to a “battery” call found the man at the firehouse at 4034 W. 47th St. He had a large cut on his forehead and scratches on both arms. The victim was transported to Mt. Sinai Hospital, where he was initially listed in critical condition but later upgraded to serious. Police were initially unable to interview the victim because of his condition.

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Shots fired into kitchen on 71st Street
Two men shot into a house in the 3700 block of West 71st Street at 11:53 p.m. Tuesday, May 15, slightly injuring a man inside. Police responding to a “shots fired” call found the home’s kitchen window shattered and bullet fragments on the kitchen table. A 20-year-old Cicero man inside the home told police that when the shots were fired, he felt pain in his lower lip—possibly from a bullet fragment or a piece of flying glass. A CFD ambulance arrived on scene, but the victim refused treatment. Home surveillance footage showed two offenders, both Hispanic boys or men, wearing light-colored clothes.

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Masked bandit robs Burger King on Pulaski
An armed bandit robbed the Burger King at 4060 S. Pulaski, making off with about $1,500. The crime occurred at 9:54 p.m. Saturday, May 19. A 23-year-old manager told police that she was closing a lobby door when a man jumped out of a red, four-door Pontiac sedan and waved a pistol at her. He pushed his way into the restaurant, ordered the other employees to lie on the floor and demanded cash from the registers and safe. The manager complied and then took cover in the kitchen area while the thug fled. He was described as a black man age 20-30, about 5-foot-11 and 200 pounds, wearing a black ski mask, black gloves, a red hoody with a black Sons of Anarchy logo, and blue jeans.

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Woman says masked man robbed her
A 25-year-old woman was robbed as she waited for a northbound bus at the CTA facility at 51st and Pulaski at 3 p.m. Monday, May 14. The victim told police that a man approached her from behind, pressed an unknown object against the left side of her head and demanded her valuables. She said she surrendered three iPhones, a Gucci purse and a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles bookbag. She reported the crime five hours after it occurred and described the robber as a man about 5-foot-8 and 160 pounds, with a dark complexion. He wore a black ski mask and a black hoody.

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Woman’s kindness rejected by robber
A 52-year-old Brighton Park woman trying to show kindness to a stranger was instead robbed as she stood on a sidewalk in front of 4920 S. Tripp at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 19. The victim told police that when a young man walked up and asked for money, she opened her purse to give him five dollars. Instead, he knocked her purse to the ground, grabbed $160 cash and ran away. He was described as a Hispanic man age 18-20, about 5-foot-5 and 140 pounds, with brown eyes and medium-length black hair, as well as a medium complexion. He wore a white T-shirt and blue jeans.

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Claim woman made charges on elderly woman’s credit card
A 38-year-old Chicago Lawn woman was charged with theft and conducting an ongoing

Tracy Mason

financial criminal enterprise after she was arrested by police at 1:10 p.m. Friday, April 27 at a dialysis center at 3134 W. 76th St.

Tracy Mason, of the 2400 block of West 60th Street, was apprehended after it was discovered that she had made “numerous charges” on an 87-year-old woman’s credit card, police said.

They did not say if the victim was a patient at the center.

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Bust pair in vehicle that was reported stolen

A 31-year-old Archer Heights man and a 21-year-old Canaryville woman were

Abraham Blockson

charged with criminal trespass to a vehicle after they were arrested by police at 11:22 a.m. Tuesday, May 15 in front of 5245 S. Archer.

Abraham Blockson, of the 4600 block of South Keeler, and Paige K. Santana, of the 700 block of West 48th Place, were apprehended after they were found by police in a vehicle that Santana allegedly borrowed from another person but did not return.

Police said the vehicle was reported stolen and that they found Santana in a passenger seat and Blockson in the driver’s seat with the vehicle’s key.

Bond was set at $5,000 for Santana, who was due in court at 51st and Wentworth on

Paige Santana

Wednesday, May 24.

According to public records, Santana has been arrested four times by CPD in the last 90 days—three times for criminal trespass to a vehicle.

Blockson has been arrested 10 times by CPD in the past three years, on such charges as criminal trespass to vehicles, domestic battery, assault and criminal trespass to land.

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Charge man with trespass to vehicle

A 33-year-old North Side man was charged with criminal trespass to a vehicle after he was

Joseph Delarosa

arrested by police at 11:30 p.m. Monday, May 14 in front of 5985 S. Archer.

Joseph A. Delarosa, of the 5000 block of North Leavitt, was reportedly “observed sleeping inside of a vehicle that did not belong to him after being told by the victim earlier in the day not to do so,” police said.

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Say Gage Park motorist left scene of accident

A 23-year-old Gage Park man was charged with one misdemeanor count of leaving the

Ivan Garduno

scene of an accident after he was arrested by police at just before 9:30 p.m. Sunday, May 13 at 5300 S. Cicero.

Ivan Garduno, of the 5600 block of South Fairfield, was taken into custody after a Jeep Grand Cherokee he was driving westbound reportedly sideswiped a Toyota Corolla in the 4500 block of West 55th Street and then struck a fence, police said.

No injuries were reported. Garduno is due in court on June 19, police added.

According to public records, Garduno was arrested twice in 2014 and charged with unlawful contact with street gang members.

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Burglar flees cellphone store empty-handed
A burglar used a brick to smash the front window of the Sprint Mobile store at 4654 S. Pulaski, entered but apparently fled without stealing anything. The crime occurred at 3 a.m. Tuesday, May 15, according to surveillance footage. The burglar was described only as a black man wearing a dark blue or gray hoodie, white gloves, blue jeans and black shoes.

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↧

Construction Jobs Available For School Annex Project in Brighton Park

May 24, 2018, 5:22 pm

≫ Next: Mega-Passes on Sale Now for Big, Fun Carnival at St. Joseph School

≪ Previous: Crime News Update

Alderman Edward M. Burke (14th) is urging local residents to

apply to work on the construction of a new $2.7 million modular building that is being built at Columbia Explorers Academy, at 46th and Kedzie in Brighton Park.

The hiring events are sponsored by the Chicago Public Building Commission. They will take place from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Friday June 1, and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6. Both events will be held in the meeting room of the Little Village Branch Library, 2311 South Kedzie Avenue.

"Our community hiring efforts are an essential part of our work in building communities," said Carina E. Sanchez, Executive Director of the Public Building Commission of Chicago. "These projects, combined with the direct economic impact they have had on our communities, underscore the true role of public development in making our city a better place to live, work and raise families."

The Public Building Commission's hiring requirements require that 50 percent of the total construction hours worked on a project must come from City of Chicago residents. "Additionally, it is important to note that a portion of those jobs are set aside for those living in the immediate surrounding areas," Burke said.

Representatives of both contractors and subcontractors working on the project will be on hand to accept applications.

The new modular building will be completed by August of 2018 and provide space for six new classrooms with a modern design and larger windows. Suite improvements will include a new playlot, exterior finishes and perimeter landscape.

# # #

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↧

Mega-Passes on Sale Now for Big, Fun Carnival at St. Joseph School

May 25, 2018, 7:59 pm

≪ Previous: Construction Jobs Available For School Annex Project in Brighton Park

Mega-passes (wristbands) for the Southwest Side's first

parish carnival of the season are now on sale at St. Joseph School, 5641 South 73rd Avenue and the rectory at St. Joseph Parish, 7240 W. 57th St.

The annual carnival is set for Thursday, May 31 through Sunday, June 3 on the grounds of St. Joseph School, just west of 56th and Harlem.

Mega-passes cost $50 each and offer unlimited rides on all four days of the carnival. Cash only is accepted.

The rectory and school are closed for the holiday weekend. So the passes will be sold at the school office, 5641 S. 73rd Ave., from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, May 29 and Wednesday, May 30, as well as at the rectory from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the same days.

Mega-passes also will be sold at the school office from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 30.

On Thursday, May 31 the price of a mega-pass goes up to $60 each. They will be on sale in the school office after 5 p.m. that day.

Carnival hours are 6 to 11 p.m. Thursday, May 31; 6 p.m.
to midnight Friday, June 1; 3 p.m. to midnight Saturday,
June 2; and from 2 to 10 p.m. Sunday, June 3.

The carnival features food vendors from local restaurants, live entertainment, a grand raffle and carnival rides and games.

For more information, call the school office at (708) 458-2927 or the rectory office at (708) 458-0501 during weekday business hours.

# # #

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↧

Popular Entertainment Acts to Take the Stage at St. Joe's Carnival, thru June 3

May 31, 2018, 8:55 am

≫ Next: Crime News Update

≪ Previous: Mega-Passes on Sale Now for Big, Fun Carnival at St. Joseph School

Old favorites and hot new entertainment acts can be
found on the main stage lineup for this year's carnival at St.
Joseph Parish, just 1/2 block west of 56th and Harlem.

Taking the stage from 7 to 11 p.m. Thursday, May

31 will be RockStar Rodeo, an exciting band known for both country-music and classic rock favorites.

Strung Out, which bills itself as “Chicago’s Ultimate 70’s musical experience playing an incredible treasure trove of classic 70’s music that other bands overlook,” is first up on Fri-
day, June 1, playing from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Closing out Friday’s live entertainment from 9 p.m. to

midnight is Libido Funk Circus, recently voted the Best Dance Band in Chicago by Chicago Rocker Magazine.

LFC boast a "monstrous set list" that includes songs made famous by such artists as Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, The Jackson 5, Katy Perry, Prince, Cee Lo Green, the Bee Gees, Rihanna, KC and the Sunshine Band, Stevie Wonder, Ke$ha, Vanilla Ice, Led Zeppelin, Salt N’ Pepa, Britney Spears, AC/DC, P!nk, and on and on.

On Saturday, June 3 a succession of some of the Chicago area’s best disc jockeys will spin a variety of Top 40 favorites to hot house mixes from 3 to 5 p.m., and then again from 6 p.m. to midnight.

Sunday promises a bit of something for everyone.

The Ampol Aires polka band will play from 2 to 4 p.m., followed by Reino Norteño from 5 to 6 p.m.

Devastatora will close out the carnival from
7:30 to 10 p.m.

St. Joseph Carnival hours are 6 to 11 p.m. Thursday, June 1; 6 p.m. to midnight Friday, June 2; 3 p.m. to midnight Saturday, June 3; and 2 to 10 p.m. Sunday, June 4.

In addition to musical entertainment, the four-day event features carnival rides, games of skill and chance.

All are encouraged to bring hearty appetites.

In addition to familiar favorites like cotton candy, lemonade and ice cream, several local restaurants and other food vendors will sell such taste-tempting delights as pizza slices, Italian beef and sausage sandwiches, Maxwell Street-style Polish sausage, hot dogs, corn dogs, meatball sandwiches, eggplant sandwiches, chicken parmigiana, barbecue chicken sandwiches, chicken fingers, steak tacos, marinated pork tacos, chicken tacos, taquitos and fajitas, pork stew, rice and beans, empanadas, funnel cakes and more.

The Carnival Committee at St. Joe's is encouraging everyone to stop by and have a great time: parishioners, alumni, friends of the school and parish, as well as everyone in the larger community. That's you!

# # #

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↧

Crime News Update

May 31, 2018, 9:55 am

≫ Next: Crime News Update

* * *

Driving his car, shot in the ear
A 37-year-old Chicago Lawn man suffered a graze wound to his ear after two other men shot at him in the 4100 block of West 47th Street at 6:03 a.m. Friday. May 25. The victim was in his car and had just dropped someone off in an alley, he told police. The shooter was one of two men in a black SUV, the victim told police. The victim refused medical treatment. No one is in custody. One of the two men was described as a Hispanic man age 20-30, about 5-foot-11 with short black hair and a black goatee. Police recovered numerous shell casings at the scene, as well as a black mask.

* * *

Cellphone store on Kedzie is robbed
Three hooded thugs robbed the T Mobile store at 4612 S. Kedzie at knifepoint, making off with four cellphones. The crime occurred at 10:50 a.m. Tuesday, May 22. The victim, a 31-year-old clerk, told police that when he saw the hooded men arrive at the store, he met them at the door to explain that they must remove their hoods. One of them pulled a knife and said, “Shut the f~ck up, or I’ll cut you.” The robbers then took the phones and ran away south on Kedzie and east down 47th Street. They were described as black men age 18-20, all about 5-foot-8 and 150 pounds, wearing black and blue clothing.

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Bust five riding in car reported stolen
Five people were arrested after police reportedly found them sitting in a stolen Toyota

Ryan Thomas

Camry in front of 8145 S. Pulaski at about 7:45 p.m. Saturday, May 19.

Charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle, as well as driving without a license, was Ryan Colby Thomas, 18, of the 5300 block of South Justine.

Charged with criminal trespass to a motor vehicle were Curtis Cade, 20, of the 4300 block of West 83rd Street; Andrew Brazzle, 24, of the 9100 block of South Bishop; Dorian Hardy, 18, of the 3500 block of West 80th Street; and Faithe McKinney, 18, of the 5300 block of South Justine.

Thomas appeared in bond court on May 20. The others are set to appear in court on June 11.

Curtis Cade

Andrew Brazzle

Dorian Hardy

Faithe McKinney

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Claim Little Village man smashed windshield with knife
A 26-year-old Little Village man was charged with aggravated assault and criminal damage

Ernest Martinez

to property after he allegedly used a knife to smash the windshield of a vehicle.

Ernest H. Martinez, of the 2200 block of South Christiana, was arrested by police at 6248 S. Central at 10:16 p.m. Monday, May 21.

He also was charged with battery and aggravated assault of a peace officer after he allegedly hit a police officer while riding in a CFD ambulance on his way to Holy Cross Hospital.

He is due in court at 51st and Wentworth on July 6.

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Arrest Clearing woman for alleged battery

Marta Klimas

A 36-year-old Clearing woman was charged with misdemeanor battery after she allegedly hit a man in an incident that reportedly occurred in the 6200 block of South Massasoit shortly after 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 23.

Marta H. Klimas, of the 6000 block of South Central, was apprehended by police responding a “battery in progress” call.

Police did not disclose the age of the man.

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Bust Curie High School student for aggravated assault

An 18-year-old West Englewood woman was charged with aggravated assault after she

Kaija Udell

allegedly threatened a security officer inside Curie High School at 10:40 a.m. Thursday, May 17.

Kaija Udell, of the 2100 block of West 71st Place, “discovered her younger brother was in the dean of students' office for a disturbance,” police said.

CPS security reportedly advised her to go back to class and leave the hallway, which is when she allegedly made a threat.

Police did not elaborate on the nature of the threat.

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West Sider charged with breaking CTA bus door glass

Dakota Joy

A 23-year-old West Side man was charged with one misdemeanor count of criminal damage to property after he allegedly kicked and cracked the glass on a CTA bus door in front of 5035 S. Cicero at about 7:50 p.m. Tuesday, May 22.

Dakota William Joy, of the 700 block of North Homan, was reportedly a passenger on the bus and was arguing with another passenger, police said.

He was arrested at 8:01 p.m.

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Cocaine found on Garfield Ridge woman, police say

Jordan Marek

A 25-year-old Garfield Ridge woman was charged with one count of felony possession of a controlled substance after police stopped her vehicle for making an illegal U-turn near 56th and Central at 9:10 p.m. Wednesday, May 23.

Jordan M. Marek, of the 5400 block of South Laramie, was found to be in possession of cocaine, according to police.

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Bust Oak Lawn man at 63rd and Cicero

A 28-year-old Oak Lawn man was charged with obstruction of traffic by a non-motorist after

Ahmad Omar

police arrested him in front of 6316 S. Cicero at 8:11 p.m. Sunday, May 20.

Ahmad Omar, of the 5600 block of West Edge Lake Drive, was apprehended "after he was observed walking in the roadway obstructing traffic," police said.

They added that they discovered that Omar was wanted on a warrant, although they declined to disclose the nature of the warrant or the jurisdiction it was from.

According to public records, Omar has been arrested six times by CPD since 2014, on such charges as panhandling and criminal trespass to land.

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Construction tools stolen from garage
Burglars broke a padlock on the service door of a garage in the 3800 block of West 65th Street and stole two ladders, two air staplers, a belt sander, two nail guns, a tile saw, an angle grinder, a table saw, a rotary hammer, a circular saw, a portable generator, a tire inflator kit and other items. The crime was reported by the victim, a 25-year-old woman, on May 25—although she said it occurred 18 days earlier.

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Unlocked garage burglarized
Burglars entered an unlocked garage in the 5400 block of South Lockwood and stole a snow blower and two grass trimmers. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 76-year-old woman, at 8 a.m. Sunday, May 20.

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↧

Crime News Update

June 8, 2018, 11:13 am

≫ Next: Crime News Update

≪ Previous: Crime News Update

* * *

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.

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

Joell Maldonado

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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Suburban man charged with narcotics possession

A 34-year-old Alsip man was charged with possession of a controlled substance after he

Kenneth Austra

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.

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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

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.

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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

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

Alicia Hallstead

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.

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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.

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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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↧

Crime News Update

June 14, 2018, 5:13 pm

≫ Next: New High School Coming to Clearing

≪ Previous: Crime News Update

* * *

Man shot in drive-by in Parkview neighborhood
A 19-year-old man was shot in his left hand and left leg in a crime that occurred in the 3800 block of West 85th Street at 11:53 a.m. Monday, June 11. The victim told police he was sitting in his parked vehicle when a silver, four-door car pulled up next to him and its passenger started shooting before speeding away northeast on Southwest Highway. The victim was transported to Advocate Christ Medical Center, where he was listed in stable condition. The driver and the shooter were described only as black men, according to police.

* * *

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, June 19 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.

Walking to Orange Line station, robbed on Kedzie
A 36-year-old Gage Park man was robbed at gunpoint as he walked down a sidewalk in front of 4900 S. Kedzie at 11:05 p.m. Saturday, June 2. The victim told police he was walking north to the CTA Orange Line station when two men walked up. One pulled a pistol while the other went through the victim’s pockets, taking his wallet and cellphone before running away. They were described as black men about 5-foot-9 and 150 pounds.

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Charge man with spitting on McD’s employee

A 27-year-old Garfield Ridge man was charged with misdemeanor battery after he allegedly

Jonathan Michalik

spat on an 18-year-old woman at McDonald’s, 6720 W. Archer, at 2:24 a.m. Sunday, June 3.

Jonathan M. Michalik, of the 5400 block of South Narragansett, was arrested at the scene.

Witnesses told police that Michalik walked up to the drive-thru window of the restaurant, was irate and engaged in an argument with the employee and then spat on her.

Michalik told the Southwest Chicago Post that he was drunk at the time, got into "a dumb argument with a group of people who work there" and in the heat of the argument may have accidentally spit on one of them. "But it was never intentional," he added.

He is due in court on July 23 at 51st and Wentworth.

According to public records, Michalik has been arrested four times by CPD since 2014, on such charges as assault, battery and battery of a peace officer.

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Arrest West Lawn man six weeks after gas station fight

A 24-year-old West Lawn man was charged with battery after he allegedly punched a 23-

Roberto Montano

year-old man in the face while at the BP gas station at 6700 S. Pulaski.

Roberto D. Montano, of the 6500 block of South Karlov, was arrested at 8:49 a.m. Tuesday, June 5 while he was in a vehicle in the alley behind his home.

Police said he was identified as the offender in the crime at the BP station, which occurred at 12:42 a.m. Sunday, April 22.

According to public records, Montano has been arrested four times by CPD since 2015, on such charges as assault, domestic battery and possession of a controlled substance.

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Tried to carjack me on 79th Street, woman says
A 26-year-old Gage Park woman told police that several men tried to carjack her at 79th and Tripp at 10:15 p.m. Wednesday, June 6. The victim said she had just put gas in her car at the Shell station at 79th and Cicero and was headed east on 79th Street when an older red Volkswagen Jetta cut her off in traffic. When she stopped her car, a man jumped out of the Jetta, ran to her car and started cursing loudly, pounding on her window and pulling on the door handle. The victim then sped away east on 79th Street and north on Pulaski. The offenders followed but eventually abandoned the pursuit. The man who got out of the Jetta was described as a Hispanic man age 30-35, about 5-foot-6 and 160 pounds, with brown eyes, short black hair and an olive complexion. He wore a dark blue shirt and blue jeans.

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Elderly man showers, scares off three home invaders
A 73-year-old Archer Heights man chased three home invaders from his house in the 4800 block of South Ridgeway at 2:15 p.m. Thursday, June 7. The victim told police that his daughter had left the front door unlocked when she left the home at 1:25 p.m. As the victim took a shower in a basement bathroom, three men entered and started taking valuables. The victim discovered the crime when he emerged from the bathroom and spotted a man carrying his TV up the basement steps. When the home invader saw the victim, he dropped the TV and ran up the stairs. The victim gave chase into the backyard, but was pushed to the ground by the offender. As the victim, got up, he saw two more home invaders flee his home. All three offenders ran into the alley and jumped into a black Honda SUV. As they sped away, the victim threw a piece of wood at the vehicle, breaking the front passenger window. All three offenders were described as Hispanic men. The first was age 20-30, about 5-foot-7 and 165 pounds with a medium complexion. He wore a cream-colored, long-sleeve polo shirt and khaki pants. Descriptions of the other two were vague. They succeeded in stealing a cellphone, the victim told police.

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Charge Scottsdale man with criminal trespass to vehicle
Sidney Warren

A 21-year-old Scottsdale man was charged with criminal trespass to a vehicle after he reportedly was found in a vehicle he does not own.

Sidney N. Warren, of the 8400 block of South Knox, was arrested at 7901 S. Cicero at 5:40 p.m. Monday, June 4.

According to public records, Warren has been arrested six times by CPD since 2015, on such charges as assault, battery and possession of a stolen vehicle.

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Charge felon with failing to register with police

A 22-year-old convicted felon was charged with failing to register with police after he was

Davion Givens

arrested at his home in the 3600 block of West 49th Place at 12:06 p.m. Tuesday, June 5.

Davion D. Givens is required by law to register as a gun offender.

According to the Illinois Department of Corrections, Givens is a convicted burglar. In an unrelated crime, he was sentenced in 2016 to four years in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

He was released from prison on parole in March of this year.

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Charge felon with failing to register with police

A 21-year-old Archer Heights man was charged with failing to register with police after he

Michael Nares

was arrested at his home in the 4800 block of South Archer at 11:40 a.m. Saturday, June 2.

Michael Nares is required by law to register as a gun offender.

According to the Illinois Department of Corrections, Nares was convicted in 2016 of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon; and then in 2017 for obstruction of justice/destruction of evidence.

He was sentenced to two years in prison but was paroled in March of this year.

Nares has been arrested five times by CPD since 2015, all in the Archer Heights/West Elsdon area, on such charges as reckless conduct, retail theft and unlawful use of a weapon.

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Bust Oak Lawn man again near Midway

A 28-year-old Oak Lawn man was charged with obstruction of traffic by a non-motorist after

Ahmad Omar

police arrested him in front of 6701 S. Cicero at 7:31 p.m. Monday, June 4.

Ahmad Omar, of the 5600 block of West Edge Lake Drive, was apprehended "after he was observed walking in the roadway obstructing traffic," police said.

According to public records, Omar has been arrested eight times by CPD since 2014, on such charges as panhandling and criminal trespass to land.

Five of those arrests have occurred this year, in a four-block stretch of Cicero Avenue just southeast of Midway Airport.

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Burglar bleeds before fleeing apartment
A burglar broke into an apartment building in the 4700 block of West 65th Street and stole a pair of work boots in a hallway. The crime was discovered by one of the victims, a 55-year-old man, at 2:45 a.m. Saturday, June 9. The offender smashed the glass on two entry doors, leaving broken glass and his own blood at the scene. He also destroyed two decorative vases and damaged a metal shoe rack before leaving. He was described only as a man age 35-40 with a shaved hairstyle.

Home on Harding burglarized
Burglars broke into the basement of a home in the 4500 block of South Harding and stole two TVs, assorted jewelry, assorted tools, a lawn mower, a bicycle and about $4,000 cash. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 43-year-old man, at 6:49 p.m. Tuesday, June 5.

Burglar in Lexus hits garage
Burglars forced open the service door of a garage in the 4700 block of South Harding and stole three car radios, a car amplifier and a battery charger. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 34-year-old man, at 6 a.m. Tuesday, June 5. A neighbor’s surveillance-camera footage showed the burglars sped away in a gold Lexus.

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PlayStation swiped from home on Kildare
Burglars entered a home in the 6800 block of South Kildare and stole a PlayStation video console. The crime was reported by the victim, a 34-year-old man, at 7:11 p.m. Thursday, June 7.

Burglars hit elderly man’s garage
Burglars forced open the service door of a garage in the 5300 block of South Keeler and stole a lawn mower, a weed trimmer and a grass edger. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 78-year-old man, 6:20 a.m. Monday, June 4.

Burglars hit elderly man’s garage
Burglars forced open the service door of a garage in the 3600 block of West 55th Place and stole a lawn mower. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 72-year-old man, at 6:30 a.m. Monday, June 4.

Man sees burglar flee his home
A burglar pried open the rear basement door of a home in the 5000 block of South La Crosse and stole a jewelry box from a bedroom. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 67-year-old man, at 3:15 p.m. Friday, June 8. The victim saw the offender run out a door on the main floor. The burglar was described as a white man about 5-foot-10 and 195 pounds, with short grayish hair, blue eyes and a light complexion.

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New High School Coming to Clearing

June 21, 2018, 7:58 am

≫ Next: Crime News Update

≪ Previous: Crime News Update

New Hancock building set for 65th and Long

By Joan Hadac
Editor and Publisher
Southwest Chicago Post

For the first time in more than a century, a high school will be built in the Clearing neighborhood, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan (D-22nd) and 13th Ward Ald. Marty Quinn announced last weekend.

At an invitation-only event in the second-floor ballroom of the Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture, officials said that a new Hancock High School will be constructed from the ground up.

They did not say where the new school will be built, when or at what cost, but it was later

learned that the school will be built on a long-vacant, block-long parking lot at 65th and Long—which decades ago served as parking for employees of Continental Can, directly across the street, during Bedford Park’s boom years.

Here is a link to a map of Clearing.

Chicago Public Schools officials are currently in negotiations to acquire the land from a private owner. The outcome of those negotiations will determine when the new high school will be built.

Construction of the new selective-enrollment Hancock High School is expected to cost at least $50 million. The new Hancock will accommodate 1,200 students in 47 classrooms.

Hancock is currently housed in the old Lourdes High School building at 56th and Komensky. What will become of that building is up in the air.

The elected officials at the event praised each other for their commitment and actions.

“I simply want to say that Mayor Rahm Emanuel has done more for the education of children on the Southwest Side of Chicago than any of his predecessors, “Madigan said, who added that the mayor’s actions are “remarkable, astounding…new schools have been built, new programs have been started, academically challenging programs.”

Quinn likened Madigan to legendary Chicagoan Daniel Burnham and said the Speaker’s decades-long vision for the Southwest Side includes “big plans that stir the blood.”

Emanuel praised Madigan and Quinn for their commitment to education, as well as their persistence, saying they have been on him from “Day One” of his tenure in 2011 to increase the quantity and quality of public education on the Southwest Side.

As they announced the construction of a new Hancock High School, officials also reiterated a previously announced plan--that the current Dore Elementary School at 61st and Natoma will be repurposed into an early childhood education center—presumably to open about six months after current Dore students move into their new building at 65th and Nottingham in January 2019.

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Regarding early childhood education, the mayor repeated a favorite assertion of his. “Kids start dropping out of college in fourth grade. They don’t drop out in freshman year [of college]. So it’s our responsibility to make sure that by the time children are four years old, they know their colors, their shapes, their numbers, their letters—so that they’re better prepared,” he said.

He also reiterated his view about making early childhood education accessible to all.
“If you’re poor in our city, like other cities, you have Head Start,” the mayor said. “If you’re well off and comfortable, you’ll figure it out for your children. But if you’re a working parent, you have to figure out how to find $13,000 to get [an early childhood education] for your child…that’s not right.”

He called the retooling of Dore “an investment in the community” that guarantees that working parents have access to early childhood education. “No parents will have to leave work halfway through the day because they have to pick up their child at school,” Emanuel said. “So you can be both a good parent and a good worker.

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↧

Crime News Update

June 24, 2018, 10:34 am

≫ Next: Dogs Have Their Day at Garfield Ridge Chamber of Commerce's Pet Parade

≪ Previous: New High School Coming to Clearing

* * *

Woman missing more than a month

Police continue to search for Gage Park resident Joyce "Strawberry" Cluchey, who went

missing on May 18 from the 5100 block of South Campbell.

She was last seen at 11:10 a.m. May 18 near 47th and Cicero, wearing a black sweater, red shirt, black leggings and flip flops.

She “frequents the areas of 47th Street/Sacramento-Cicero, Archer Ave./Laramie Ave,” police said.

She is a white woman age 30, 5 foot tall and 100 pounds, blue eyes and red/brown hair, light complexion. She has tattoos on her wrists that say, "ELIAS" and "ENRIQUE".

Those who see her are asked to call 911 immediately. Those with useful information to share are asked to call CPD's Area Central Special Victims Unit at (312) 747-8380.

* * *

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 West 65th Street, at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 26 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 security guard with reckless conduct
Percy Hammons

A security guard was charged with reckless conduct after he allegedly fired his gun during an argument in the parking lot of Mariscos El Kora, 5207 S. Archer.

Percy Hammons, 49, was arrested at 10:40 p.m. Friday, June 15.

He allegedly pointed the gun down and shot, and a piece of asphalt flew into the air and struck the victim in his abdomen.

The victim refused medical treatment. Police did not say if Hammons is employed by the restaurant.

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Bust Clearing man on theft rap in Archer Heights
Michael McDonough

A 50-year-old Clearing man was charged with theft after he was reportedly caught “removing property from a commercial yard and placing the property in his vehicle without having authorization to do so,” according to police.

Michael C. McDonough, of the 6500 block of West 64th Street, was apprehended at 4850 S. Kilbourn at 5:08 a.m. Thursday, June 7.

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Ex stalking me, woman tells police
A 24-year-old Garfield Ridge woman told police that her ex-boyfriend, a 29-year-old Calumet City man, was stalking her. She made the report at 2:20 a.m. Monday, June 18. The victim told police that as she drove her car, the offender chased her for several blocks in his vehicle. When he caught up with her at a stoplight at 55th and Austin, he reportedly pointed a gun at her and said, “I’m going to catch you one day.” Police added that the offender was seen driving past the Chicago Lawn (8th) District station several times as the victim reported the crime. He remains at large.

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Taqueria owner robbed at gunpoint
A 45-year-old woman reported that she was robbed at gunpoint inside Taqueria Los Gallos, 6222 S. Archer, at 6:05 a.m. Thursday, June 14. The victim, one of the owners of the restaurant, told police she was there early to make changes to a security camera. She heard a knock at the eatery’s back door and went to answer it. When she opened the door, two bandits entered and chased her to the restaurant’s office, where they reportedly forced her to open a safe and give them $9,500. The victim said that she then sprayed pepper spray in the face of one of the two bandits, causing them both to flee with the money. They were described as white men age 20-30, about 5-foot-10 and between 140 and 200 pounds. They wore white painters’ pants.

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Charge Scottsdale man with domestic battery
Kise Saleh

A 24-year-old Scottsdale man was charged with domestic battery after he allegedly “shook and pulled the hair” of a 23-year-old woman.

Kise Saleh, of the 4100 block of West 82nd Place, was arrested at his home in the same block at Monday, June 11.

According to public records, Saleh has been arrested by CPD eight times since 2015, on such charges as burglary, criminal trespass to vehicles, retail theft and criminal damage to property.

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Bust woman again on domestic violence charge
Jeanette Rivera

A 24-year-old woman was charged with violating an order of protection at a home in the 6700 block of South Komensky at 12:55 a.m. Wednesday, June 13.

Jeanette Rivera was arrested on the signed complaint of a 51-year-old woman, described by police as the victim.

According to public records, Rivera has been arrested five times by CPD at the same address since March, on such charges as domestic battery and criminal damage to property.

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Pizza driver robbed at gunpoint
A 22-year-old Brighton Park man delivering a pizza for La Coco’s, 3350 W. 47th St., was robbed at gunpoint on the sidewalk in front of 4620 S. Homan at 2:15 a.m. Thursday, June 14. The victim told police that two masked bandits pulled a gun and threatened to take his car unless he handed over his cash. He surrendered $45, and the bandits sped away in a white Cadillac SUV. They were described only as Hispanic men.

Hunt teen who burglarized rectory

A burglar broke into the rectory at St. Thomas More Church, 81st and California, and stole a

TV, a laptop computer and a wallet with three credit cards and $120 cash.

The crime was discovered by a 41-year-old priest who spotted the offender on the second floor of the rectory at 11:35 p.m. Friday, June 15.

When he confronted the offender, the offender pushed his way past him and ran out of the building.

He was described as a black boy age 16-17, about 5-foot-10 and 145 pounds, with short black hair. He wore a two-color T-shirt and jeans.

The crime was captured on rectory surveillance video and released by police. Those with useful information to share are asked to call CPD Detective Mizera at (312) 747-8380 and refer to case number JB 308814.

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Bust man in police station parking lot
Jorge Castelano

A 32-year-old Chicago Lawn man was charged with two felony counts of burglary after he allegedly “entered and took property from several vehicles” at 3421 W. 63rd St., the address of the parking lot directly across the street from the Chicago Lawn (8th) District police station.

Jorge Castelano, of the 2500 block of West 63rd Street, was apprehended at 11:25 p.m. Wednesday, June 6.

Burglar fails to break into home
A burglar tried but failed to break into a home in the 5100 block of South Linder. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 29-year-old woman, when she came home at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 12. The victim told police that the home’s side door was damaged.

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More women busted in sweep of Cicero Ave.

Two more women have been arrested in what appears to be a police sweep of streetwalking

Amber Ramirez

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 39-year-old Amber R. Ramirez, of the 4500 block of South Lawler.

Police said they spotted her at 4839 W. 47th St. at 6:40 a.m. Monday, June 11, “walking along side the roadway looking into vehicles and waving at male occupants, indicating she is available.”

According to the public records, Ramirez has been arrested by CPD 22 times since 2014, on such charges as prostitution, possession of a controlled

Cindy Sweeny

substance and retail theft.

• Charged with soliciting a ride on a public roadway was 46-year-old Cindy L. Sweeny, of the 8600 block of South Lawler, Burbank.

Police said they saw her outside 4631 W. 51st St. at 8:55 a.m. Tuesday, June 12, “waving down a car on the roadway and entering it."

She is due in court on July 18.

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Scooter swiped from garage on Avers
Burglars broke into a garage in the 5100 block of South Avers and stole an electric scooter. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 41-year-old woman, at 3:40 p.m. Wednesday, June 13.

Sons find departed mom’s home ransacked
Burglars broke into a vacant home in the 4100 block of West 83rd Street and stole a TV. The crime was discovered by a 53-year-old Palos Park man who came to the home with his brother, a 46-year-old Mokena man, to clean out the home—which had belonged to their mother, who died recently.

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Collectible coins take from open garage
A 78-year-old Clearing man reported that a burglar walked into his open garage in the 6500 block of West 64th Place and stole a set of collectible mint-grade coins. He reported the crime at 11:59 p.m. Monday, June 11.

Music mixer, speakers and more taken from garage
Burglars forced open the service door of a garage in the 5900 block of South Kolmar and stole a shop vac, two CD decks, a music mixer, two portable speakers and a generator. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 55-year-old woman, at 9:10 a.m. Sunday, June 17.

Appliances taken from vacant home
Burglars kicked in the rear door of a house in the 6000 block of South Menard and stole a refrigerator, a stove and several items of furniture. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 34-year-old Garfield Ridge man, when he returned from vacation at 1 p.m. Sunday, June 17. Neighbors told police they saw two men loading items from the home onto a U-Haul truck. Descriptions of the offenders were vague.

Garage on Leclaire burglarized
Burglars forced open the service door of a garage in the 4700 block of South Leclaire and stole a stereo system, a paint ball gun and a tool set. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 26-year-old man, at 7 p.m. Sunday, June 17.

Returns from vacation, finds home burglarized
Burglars forced open a back window of a home in the 3400 block of West 71st Street and stole assorted jewelry and a wallet. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 62-year-old man, when he returned from vacation at 3 p.m. Friday, June 15.

North Carolina woman’s AC unit swiped
A 49-year-old North Carolina woman told police that someone stole an air conditioner she was storing in a friend’s garage in the 6600 block of South Kolin. She reported the crime at 8:56 p.m. Friday, June 15. Police said there was no sign of forced entry in the garage.

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Dogs Have Their Day at Garfield Ridge Chamber of Commerce's Pet Parade

June 24, 2018, 11:51 am

≫ Next: Eyesore Bank to Be Bulldozed

≪ Previous: Crime News Update

By Joan Hadac
Editor and Publisher
Southwest Chicago Post

A big tip of the cap to Garfield Ridge Chamber of Commerce

President Mary Ellen Brown, the GRCC members and volunteers, and everyone who made the Chamber's first-ever pet parade such a big hit on Saturday, June 23.

Big dogs, tiny dogs, chubby dogs, skinny dogs, canines of all kinds--and even a couple of reluctant cats--took part in the stroll around Wentworth Park.

A fun event that shows once again what a wonderful place Garfield Ridge is--and a reminder for us all to shop locally!

The Southwest Chicago Post was on hand to take a few photos. Here they are, in no particular order. Enjoy!

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↧

Eyesore Bank to Be Bulldozed

June 20, 2018, 2:19 pm

≫ Next: Patriots Day Parade Photo Highlights

≪ Previous: Dogs Have Their Day at Garfield Ridge Chamber of Commerce's Pet Parade

New homes set for 55th/Narragansett

By Tim Hadac
Managing Editor
Southwest Chicago Post

One of the Southwest Side’s most notorious eyesores—the

old Garfield Ridge Trust & Savings Bank, 6353 W. 55th St.--will be bulldozed in the next year or so, replaced by a cluster of single-family homes.

The announcement was made June 18 at a public meeting of the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch, held at Bridgeview Bank, a stone’s throw from the vacant bank.

Plans call for seven homes to be built on 55th Street, between Mulligan and Narragansett; and two more homes just south of Pticek’s Bakery in what is now a parking lot.

A Garfield Ridge gem when it opened in 1971, the bank changed owners several times over the years, finally shutting down in 2004. It was purchased about a decade ago by Gregg Chentnik, owner of the nearby Kid’Z Colony Daycare, 6287 S. Archer.

Chentnik and two business partners were at the meeting.

Repeated efforts by Chentnik to sell the building to a variety of commercial enterprises and non-profits fell short, and the building continued to deteriorate inside and out.

At a public meeting two years ago, GRNW President Al Cacciottolo said, “That building is a total wreck inside. They’ve had major damage. I was in there about a month ago. It’s really bad inside. They had 20 feet of water in the basement, so there are mold issues. It’s going to take a lot of money to refurbish that building. I would rather see it just knocked down and something brand-new go up.”

Agreeing with Cacciottolo’s assessment is 13th Ward Ald. Marty Quinn, who said Monday night, “I was getting sick to my stomach over the property. It was dilapidated.”

For most of its life as a vacant hulk, the old bank building was in the 23rd Ward. The latest ward remap took it out of 23 and into 13. That’s when Quinn took it on as a project.

About 2 ½ years ago, I reached out to Gregg,” Quinn told the

Alderman Quinn (right) and GRNW VP Mike Doherty

audience of about 40 Garfield Ridge residents. “In the past several years, I’ve pitched anyone I can think of--Culver’s, Panda Express, Starbucks, anyone you can imagine—and they all problems with the configuration because any particular driveway would not lead back to Archer.”

Quinn said his appearance at the GRNW meeting was to “open up a discussion, be transparent and have real community dialogue…so all of us can have a say in terms of what’s going to be there next.”

“I can tell you what it won’t be, at least not on my watch,” the alderman added. “It won’t be a car wash. It won’t be apartments, and I turned thumbs-down on office space.”
Quinn, whose track record of neighborhood success—in concert with Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan (D-22nd)—includes the booming redevelopment of Cicero Avenue south of 63rd Street, said that the plan to bring single-family homes to 55th and Narragansett may spur redevelopment of other vacant properties in the Archer corridor.

The audience seemed generally receptive to the plan to build new homes. Cacciottolo said, “I think it’s a very good idea. I think it will work.”

Quinn’s openness was praised by GRNW board member Arlene White, who said she found it refreshing that people would have some say in what comes to the neighborhood.

“So often, you see these things going up and you wonder what it is and who decided on that. I applaud you, Alderman Quinn,” she said, as the audience applauded in agreement.
Exactly when the old bank will be torn down is a question mark right now, though the hope is it will occur in 2019.

Chentnik was for years a successful real estate broker, and he and his partners—Family Craft Builders--have a history of building homes, most notably the acclaimed Stonebridge Woods development in suburban Homer Glen.

The price tag on the Garfield Ridge homes is expected to be at least $475,000 each—prompting one woman in the audience to wonder aloud if anyone would pay such a high price.

A man in the audience said he has lived in the neighborhood for 30 years, “and every time somebody has built new homes, somebody always predicts that the homes won’t sell because they’re priced too high.

“But they’re always proven wrong,” he added. The brand-new homes on the old Soukal greenhouse property all sold. The new homes built near St. Dan’s all sold. The new homes on the old Yugoslav Hall property all sold—and they’re right across the street from a firehouse. These homes at 55th and Narragansett will sell, too. After all, this is Garfield Ridge. People want to live here and are willing to pay the price.”

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Patriots Day Parade Photo Highlights

June 28, 2018, 8:29 pm

≫ Next: Reflections on the Eve of the 4th

≪ Previous: Eyesore Bank to Be Bulldozed

The 2018 edition of the Patriot's Day Parade is in the books.

The event, which stepped off at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 28, was sponsored by Third District Congressman Dan Lipinski, 23rd Ward Alderman Silvana Tabares, the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch, the Garfield Ridge Chamber of Commerce and the Garfield Ridge Civic League.

This was the seventh year that the Southwest Chicago Post was out there with a camera.

As usual, the kids at the curbs were at least as photogenic as those marching in the parade.

Here are a bunch of photos we shot--in no particular order, of parade units and people at the curb. Enjoy!

May your Independence Day be meaningful, joyful and safe.

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Reflections on the Eve of the 4th

July 3, 2018, 7:23 pm

≫ Next: Crime News Update

≪ Previous: Patriots Day Parade Photo Highlights

Opinion by John T. "Red" Ryan

FROM ACROSS THE great void of time itself, we can still

hear the words ever so clearly: "John, do they have a 4th of July in England ?" At first the question seemed awfully easy and elementary. "No Dad, just in America" was the original and obvious response. But our Pop, the Late Clem Ryan (1914-74) quickly came back with, "Of course they do, a 3rd, a 4th, a 5th !" Dad's gag was very versatile and he would adapt it to just about every country on the planet; except those who also celebrated the 4th.

BUT OUR REFLECTION on this bit of family nostalgia brings up a very important point. Just what is all of the fuss about and what is behind all of this merry making ? We stay up late, we do our best to fill the atmosphere with about as much incendiary light, ear drum shattering noise and noxious fumes that we can. Some of our neighbors lay in a supply of firecrackers, sky rockets, roman candles and railroad flares that would rival all of the fire power aimed at Fort McHenry by the Red Coats during the War of 1812. And it is this that brings us up to the very reason for sitting before the old keyboard today.

AND THAT WOULD be and is most definitely the underlying motivation for whooping it up so enthusiastically on the 4th. Remember, the official name of the Holiday is Independence Day and is so named because it was on that date, July 4, 1776, that a group of brave, highly intelligent men from the 13 English Colonies of North America (outside of what is now Canada) presented to His Royal Majesty, King George III of England and to the rest of the World their notice that they were no longer subjects of the Crown. They declared freedom and independence; which of course they knew they'd have to fight for.

BUT OTHER THAN just breaking from the British, our founding forefathers were sort of inventing a new sort of nation, governed, not ruled, by persons selected by the people at large. The process employed would be accomplished through a polling of the eligible voter, each casting just one ballot. Although this is a frequent occurrence in today's world, conducting such an election (or "Plebiscite" if you will) was virtually unheard of in the times that our founding fathers lived.

AND OUR HISTORY books will tell you that signing and presenting this Declaration of Independence was just the first step in establishing this political experiment we call the United States of America. Yes, we were to become truly "One Nation Under God, Indivisible"; but there were many steps that would have to follow.

THE FACT WE were incorporating 13 Sovereign States, whose existence was the result of every one having been established apart from the other by different parties, created in a sort of desire to maintain that singularity. Yet, there was a great movement to bring the former colonies together, to "federalize" them. It was this difference of opinions that led to the creation of our country's first political parties; those being the Federalists (favoring strong central government) and the Republicans (or Democratic Republicans) who backed stronger states rights and sovereignty.

THE RESOLUTION OF the differences of beliefs and in the visions of our country's government were resolved peacefully, if not always without heated debates. The result was the establishment of a national government functioning under the Articles of Confederation. The Articles provided a framework for the various states to work together and to give direction to the new land's future. From what we understand, the United States under the Articles of Confederation, bore more of a resemblance to today's European Union than to the "One Nation, Under God, Indivisible", which we all know.

THE ANSWER TO the failings of the Articles came first with an attempt to amend them and quickly became what we call the Constitutional Convention. Many of the same men, who had previously served as delegates to the Continental Congress during the period of the American Revolutionary War, also represented the states in formulating our Constitution. Issues were bitterly contested, in much the same way that our Nation's political differences persist today. But the Nation survived and prospered. And that brings us back to the original business in this piece about why all the fireworks and ballyhoo ?

WELL, WE'RE DISPLAYING our enthusiasm for our country and for our good fortune in being blessed by the Almighty in being born in the Freedom of America. May this ever be so for our Children and theirs yet to come. This would make Dad very happy; and somehow we're sure that it already does!

~ ~ ~

John T. “Red” Ryan is a retired Chicago police officer and Garfield Ridge resident.

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Crime News Update

July 4, 2018, 5:46 pm

≫ Next: The bad guys? Ain't the cops!

≪ Previous: Reflections on the Eve of the 4th

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Charge man in killing of missing mom

A 22-year-old man is currently held without bond by the Cook County Department of

Cesar Cono-Olvera

Corrections—due in court on July 16—after he reportedly confessed to the killing of 30-year-old Joyce "Strawberry" Cluchey and hiding her body inside a car in a garage in the 4900 block of South Keeler.

Cesar Cono-Olvera surrendered to authorities on Monday, June 25—a day after his relatives called police after they said they discovered human remains in their garage.

Ms. Cluchey, a mother of three, had gone missing on May 18 from the 5100 block of South Campbell. She was last seen near 47th and Cicero, wearing a black sweater, red shirt, black leggings and flip flops.

A GoFundMe campaign to raise $5,000 to cover burial expenses was established last week.

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Want to work directly with Chicago Police to prevent crime in your neighborhood? If you live in Beat 834 (see map), come to Bogan High School, 3939 W. 79th Street, at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, July 5 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.

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Elderly pizza man robbed at gunpoint
A 77-year-old Garfield Ridge man working as a driver for Lena’s Pizza, 5851 W. 63rd St., was robbed at gunpoint as he tried to make a delivery in the 5900 block of South Archer at 9:45 p.m. Tuesday, June 26. The victim told police that one bandit put a pistol to his neck while the other acted as a lookout. They stole about $200 cash from the victim, as well as a pizza and other items. They fled on foot, north on Major. They were described as Hispanic men age 25-30, about 5-foot-10 and 175 pounds.

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Hunt man who robbed Subway

Police are appealing to the public for help in finding the man who robbed the Subway

sandwich shop at 6400 S. Cicero at 3:43 p.m. Wednesday, June 27.

Employees told police the bandit initially posed as a customer before he suddenly walked up to an open cash drawer and started grabbing money.

He made off with an estimated $435. He did not display a weapon, police said. He sped away in a gray, two-door sedan. He was described as a white man age 25-30, about 5-foot-4 and 80 pounds, with medium-length brown hair. He had a large tattoo on the top of his back. He wore a gray and black sweatshirt.

Video footage of the crime may be found of the CPD Facebook page.

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Charge West Side man with theft in Scottsdale
Darin Bolden

A 24-year-old West Side man was charged with felony theft after he allegedly admitted to completing fake refunds and taking an unknown amount of cash from a store at 8111 S. Cicero.

Darin Bolden, of the 1400 block of North Lorel, was apprehended at noon Friday, June 15 at the scene.

Police appeared to indicate that Bolden was an employee of the store, but refused to confirm it.

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Bust two Danville women for shoplifting
Tamia J.M. Newsome

Two women from the Central Illinois city of Danville were charged with retail theft after they allegedly stole clothing from T.J. Maxx, 4932 S. Kedzie, at 3:05 p.m. Monday, June 25.

Tamia J.M. Newsome, 21, and Deborah L. White, 31, were apprehended at the scene.

Police did not disclose anything about the clothing items allegedly stolen.

Deborah White

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Another woman busted in sweep of Cicero Ave.

Another woman has been arrested in what appears to be a police sweep of streetwalking

Ginger Dilbeck

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 prostitution was 46-year-old Ginger E. Dilbeck, of the 4400 block of South Knox.

According to police, at about 10 p.m. Sunday, June 24 in the 4700 block of South Cicero, she was “looking into vehicles, motioning to lone male occupants. These actions are known to officers to be consistent of prostitutes plying their trade. After observing these actions, an officer working in civilian (covert) dress entered an establishment and female offender shortly followed. Offender approached the officer and offered her trade for compensation. Offender was placed into custody and charged with one count of misdemeanor prostitution.”

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Burglars hit auto shop on Archer
Two men broke into Western Auto Repairs, 5316 S. Archer, and stole an undisclosed amount of tools, tires, vehicle titles and a checkbook. The crime was reported to police at 7:25 a.m. Sunday, July 1 by the business’ owner. A neighbor told police she saw the offenders but could only describe them as Hispanic men age 20-25 with black T-shirts and blue jeans.

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Mexican currency stolen from home
Burglars pried open the kitchen window of a home in the 6100 block of South Melvina and stole about $300 worth of Mexican currency, as well as assorted jewelry. The crime was discovered by a 43-year-old Pilsen man who was watching the property for its owner, a 40-year-old man.

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Charcoal and more stolen from garage
Burglars forced open the service door of a garage in the 4800 block of South Kedvale and stole a lawnmower, assorted hand tools and three bags of charcoal. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 56-year-old man, at 8:10 a.m. Friday, June 29.

Garage on Keating burglarized
Burglars forced open the service door of a garage in the 6300 block of South Keating and stole a rear-bagger mulcher/lawnmower. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 57-year-old man, at 11:50 a.m. Friday, June 29.

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TVs, jewelry swiped from home
Burglars entered a home in the 4100 block of West 58th Place and stole two TVs and assorted jewelry. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 39-year-old woman, at about 9 p.m. Friday, June 29.

Landlord reports apartment burglarized
Burglars forced open the utility door of an apartment building in the 4500 block of West 55th Street and stole assorted tools and an air conditioner. The crime was reported to police by the landlord, a 70-year-old West Elsdon man, at 7:20 p.m. Saturday, June 30.

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Garage on Kolmar hit by burglars
Burglars forced open the service door of a garage in the 6000 block of South Kolmar and stole two window air-conditioning units and a car buffer. The crime was reported by the victim, a 45-year-old man, at 6:19 a.m. Thursday, June 28.

Fridge swiped from garage
Burglars broke into a garage in the 6300 block of South Lamon and stole a small refrigerator. The crime was reported to police at 6:05 a.m. Thursday June 28 by the victim, a 35-year-old man. He said a neighbor had woken him up several hours earlier to report that his lawnmower was sitting in the alley.

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Back from vacation, finds garage burglarized
Burglars broke into a garage in the 6100 block of South Karlov and stole assorted power tools and 22 roles of copper wire. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 67-year-old man, when he returned from vacation at about 4 p.m. Sunday, July 1.

Buffer, beer and more swiped from garage
Burglars entered a garage in the 4700 block of South Lawler through an open window and stole a car wax buffer and an undisclosed amount of beer, soda, juice and water. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 36-year-old woman, at about 10 a.m. Saturday, June 30.

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Old favorites and hot new entertainment acts can befound on the main stage lineup for this year's carnival at St.Joseph Parish, just 1/2 block west of 56th and Harlem.

Old favorites and hot new entertainment acts can be
found on the main stage lineup for this year's carnival at St.
Joseph Parish, just 1/2 block west of 56th and Harlem.