December 8, 2018, 2:45 pm
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.
* * *Teen shot in shoulder in drive-byA 17-year-old boy was shot in the shoulder as he walked down a sidewalk in the 3800 block of West 62nd Street at about 7p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2. The victim was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center, where he was listed in stable condition. The victim told police that the shooter fired from a dark-colored SUV. No one is in custody.
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Want to work directly with Chicago Police to prevent crime in your neighborhood? If you live in Beats 812 (see map), come to the Clearing Branch Library, 6423 West 63rd Place, at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 12 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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Shots fired in road rage crimeA 37-year-old Scottsdale man told police that a man fired a gun at him in the 8100 block of South Tripp at about 1:45 a.m. Friday, Nov. 30. cityThe victim said he was driving his truck when a late-model white sedan approached on a narrow street. The victim added that when he was unable to pull over enough to let the other car pass, a man jumped out of the car and started firing at him. The victim was not hit by gunfire and quickly drove away to 86th and Pulaski, where he called police, who searched the area and found 19 shell casings near 81st and Keeler. Police noted two bullet holes in the rear window of his truck. The shooter and the other person in the car were described only as Hispanic men age 20-25. Police said there was no evidence to suggest that the shooter knows the victim, and that the incident appeared to be a road rage crime.
Keychain alarm scares off robbersTwo armed bandits tried but failed to rob the Boost Mobile store at 5901 S. Kedzie at 4:44 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 29. Employees told police that the men posed as customers, with one asking about an iPhone 8. When a clerk—a 19-year-old Gage Park woman--walked to the rear of the store to retrieve the phone, one man followed, pushed her to the floor and pulled a pistol. He then accosted the store manager—a 30-year-old Chicago Lawn woman—puller her hair and threw her to the floor. As the manager hit the floor, the alarm on her car alarm key started beeping. The robbers—one of whom was acting as a lookout at the front door—were startled, thinking police had been notified. They ran out of the store empty-handed and fled north on Kedzie. They were described as black men with brown eyes and dark complexions—one age 35-42, about 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds. The other was age 55-62, about 5-foot-10 and 185 pounds. Both wore dark clothing.
Swiped stuff from 7-Eleven, cops say![]() |
| Jeremy Kall |
A 24-year-old Garfield Ridge man was charged with retail theft after he allegedly stole merchandise from the 7-Eleven at Archer and Central at 12:50 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 25.
Jeremy I. Kall, of the 5100 block of South Moody, was taken into custody at the scene, police said.
A CPD spokesman declined to say what specifically was reportedly taken.
According to public records, Kall has been arrested four times by CPD since 2016, on such charges as assault, aggravated fleeing and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Woman pushed to the ground, robbedA 59-year-old Wrightwood woman was robbed as she walked east down a sidewalk in front of 2610 W. 83rd St. at 6:25 a.m. Monday, Nov. 26. The victim told police that ran up behind her and grabbed her purse. When she tried to hang onto it, the robber said, “B~tch, let go,” and knocked her to the ground. She lost her grip on the purse and the robber grabbed it and ran away north through a nearby yard. The purse contained a cellphone, three credit cards, house and car keys and other items. The victim declined medical treatment. The robber was described as a black man age 23-30, about 5-foot-5 and 170 pounds, wearing dark clothing.
Arrest West Lawn man for reckless driving![]() |
| Pedro Dominguez-Martinez |
A 22-year-old West Lawn man was charged with reckless driving, speeding and seven other traffic-related violations after his vehicle was curbed by police at 4400 W. 79th St. at 10:57 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27.
Pedro Dominguez-Martinez, of the 3700 block of West 69th Street, was arrested at the scene after his vehicle was spotted speeding and running red lights, a CPD spokesman said.
Charge Joliet man with making threat![]() |
| Santos Chavez |
A 24-year-old Joliet man was charged with aggravated assault after he allegedly threatened a 50-year-old man during a traffic altercation in front of 4838 S. Kostner at 8:43 p.m. Friday, Nov. 23.
Santos D. Chavez, of South Center Street, was arrested after the victim, a Lower West Side man, told police that Chavez got out of his car, walked several cars back to the victim’s car, put his hand under his sleeve (implying that he had a weapon) and said, “I’ll f~cking shoot you.”
The victim waved down a police officer at the scene, and Chavez was taken into custody.
Robbed me on my way to work, man saysA 45-year-old West Elsdon man reported that he was robbed as he waited for a southbound CTA bus at 54th and Pulaski at 6:40 a.m. Friday, Nov. 23. The victim told police that an older blue sedan pulled up and three men got out. One pulled a pistol and put his hand in the victim’s pocket, taking $263 cash and saying, “You can always get more stuff. It ain’t worth your life.” The three men then got back into the car and sped away south. The gunman was described as a black man age 23-25, about 5-foot-11 and 175 pounds, with brown eyes and a medium complexion. Descriptions of the other two men were vague. The victim did not report the crime until six hours later, telling police that he did not want to be late for work.
Cash, jewelry stolen from home on KilpatrickBurglars kicked in the side door of a home in the 7800 block of South Kilpatrick and stole two engagement rings, three metal necklaces with Virgin Mary medallions and about $200 cash. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 29-year-old man, at 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 21.
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December 12, 2018, 1:54 pm
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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Shot in chest as he and girlfriend sit in carA 24-year-old West Elsdon man was shot in the chest as he and his 24-year-old girlfriend sat in a car in an alley in the 5300 block of South Kildare at 3:46 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 9. The girlfriend told police that the shooter fired from a white Toyota RAV 4, which then sped away. The girlfriend started to drive away to take the victim to a hospital, but stopped to render first aid. The victim was taken by CFD ambulance to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was listed in critical condition. There was no description of the shooter.
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Want to work directly with Chicago Police to prevent crime in your neighborhood? Make a New Year's resolution to attend your monthly CAPS meetings in 2019. 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. Check the map to see which beat is yours. Check back with the Southwest Chicago Post in the weeks ahead for meeting times and dates.
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Teen charged with shooting his cousinAn 18-year-old West Elsdon man was charged with aggravated battery after he allegedly shot his 18-year-old cousin after an argument at their home in the 3700 block of West 56th Street at 3:06 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 9. Guillermo A. Ibarra reportedly admitted to police that he fired a pistol out the window of his second-floor bedroom, hitting the windshield of a vehicle parked in front of the house. One of the bullets pierced the windshield and struck the victim in the left elbow. Police responding to a ShotSpotter notification said they were let into the home by the alleged offender’s father, who told them where his son was. Police arrested Ibarra without incident and confiscated the pistol. The victim was transported to Advocate Christ Medical Center, where he was listed in good condition.
Thugs pistol-whip barberA 25-year-old barber was pistol-whipped and robbed in the basement of his home in the 6100 block of South Kilpatrick at 6:20 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5. The victim was giving a haircut to a 30-year-old Gage Park man when two armed bandit entered the home via an unlocked rear door. The customer told police he was thrown to the floor and robbed his cellphone, debit card and $20 cash before he got up and fled to a nearby house to call police. The barber was robbed of a .38 caliber handgun, $100 cash, a cellphone and a passport. He was transported to Holy Cross Hospital, where he was listed in stable condition. The bandits were described only as Hispanic men. The barber said he recognized one as a prior customer named Jay. No one is in custody.
Dad beaten by daughter’s exA 41-year-old Archer Heights man was beaten with a baseball bat in a crime that occurred in front of 3400 W. 73rd St. at 3:20 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 9. The victim told police that he was dropping off his daughter at a nearby home when her ex-boyfriend, a 26-year-old Chicago Lawn man, jumped him, hitting in the face several times with a glass liquor bottle before fleeing. Police said they saw bruising and swelling on the victim’s face, but he refused medical care. Police went to the ex-boyfriend’s home, but were not able to locate him.
Slips away from court, captured at Archer and Harlem![]() |
| Alicia Gines |
A 19-year-old Gage Park woman who escaped custody from authorities at 26th and California last Friday morning was apprehended by police at about 7 p.m. Sunday near Archer and Harlem.
Alicia Gines, of the 5300 block of South Maplewood, was in court last Friday to answer another escape-related charge from September, a Cook County Sheriff’s Office spokesman said.
Authorities did not say how they became aware that Gines was near Archer and Harlem.
Originally, Gines was arrested at her home Sept. 28, 2017 and charged with a robbery that reportedly occurred 10 days earlier. A 17-year-old girl told police that Gines hit, kicked and robbed her in the 2000 block of South Halsted.
Burglar dogged by canineA burglar who entered a basement apartment in the 6000 block of South Keating fled the scene empty-handed after the victim’s dog chased him away. The crime occurred at about 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5. The victim, a 34-year-old man, was not at home at the time, but told police it appeared that the burglar opened a kitchen window to enter his home. His dog chased the burglar, who quickly knocked on the door of an apartment next door and asked to be let in. The neighbor answering the door refused to let him in, and the burglar ran away through a gangway. He was described only as a Hispanic man. The victim reported the crime about two hours after it occurred.
Accuse man of criminal trespass to vehicle![]() |
| David Sanchez |
A 34-year-old West Lawn man was charged with criminal trespass to a vehicle after he allegedly entered a 2015 Toyota that is not his, in the 5900 block of South Kedvale at 2:15 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28.
David Sanchez, of the 3700 block of West 61st Street, was apprehended at the scene.
Elderly woman’s home burglarizedA burglar opened the rear window of a home in the 5100 block of South Lawndale and stole two checkbooks and an unknown amount of cash. According to a neighbor’s surveillance camera, the crime occurred at about 11 p.m. Monday, Dec. 3. The victim, a 77-year-old woman, arrived home as police were investigating. Video footage also showed that the burglar fled in a dark-colored sedan that pulled up in the alley at about 11:22 p.m. The burglar was described as a Hispanic man with a light complexion, wearing a black hoody with a red stripe, and dark blue pants.
Big tool heist at garage on KennethBurglars forced open the overhead door of a garage in the 8400 block of South Kenneth and stole several thousand dollars worth of tools and other items. The crime was reported to police at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9 by the victim, a 41-year-old man. It appeared to have occurred during the previous 48 hours.
Keychain alarm scares off robbersTwo armed bandits tried but failed to rob the Boost Mobile store at 5901 S. Kedzie at 4:44 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 29. Employees told police that the men posed as customers, with one asking about an iPhone 8. When a clerk—a 19-year-old Gage Park woman--walked to the rear of the store to retrieve the phone, one man followed, pushed her to the floor and pulled a pistol. He then accosted the store manager—a 30-year-old Chicago Lawn woman—puller her hair and threw her to the floor. As the manager hit the floor, the alarm on her car key started beeping. The robbers—one of whom was acting as a lookout at the front door—were startled, thinking police had been notified. They ran out of the store empty-handed and fled north on Kedzie. They were described as black men with brown eyes and dark complexions—one age 35-42, about 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds. The other was age 55-62, about 5-foot-10 and 185 pounds. Both wore dark clothing.
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December 17, 2018, 11:51 pm
Police are seeking the public's help in finding the man who reportedly exposed his penis to a high school girl at about 3:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 10 in the 4200 block of West 62nd Street.
The girl told police she was walking home when the man drove up and exposed himself.
Police released a cellphone image of the car driven by the alleged offender, described only as a Hispanic man. The car is a lime green Ford hatchback.
Those with useful information to share are encouraged to call Area Central Detectives at (312) 747-8380.
In the wake of the crime, police offered this advice:
• Always be aware of your surroundings,• Walk/Ride in pairs or groups.• Dial 9-1-1 to report suspicious activity immediately.• Never pursue a fleeing assailant; instead, provide the information to the police.
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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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Charge Brighton Park man with aggravated battery![]() |
| Mark Mendez |
A 23-year-old Brighton Park man was charged with aggravated battery after he was arrested at his home in the 4300 block of South Drake at about 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 24.
Mark D. Mendez “was arrested by the CPD Fugitive Apprehension Team after he was identified in a photo array as the individual who struck a 19-year-old man about the head and body with a closed fist in the 4400 block of South St. Louis on Aug. 25,” a CPD spokesman said. “The victim suffered lacerations to the head and scalp while requiring stitches.”
According to public records, Mendez has been arrested five times by CPD since 2014, on such charges as DUI and criminal defacement of property.
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Want to work directly with Chicago Police to prevent crime in your neighborhood? If you live in Beat 812 (see map), come to the Clearing Branch Library, 6423 West 63rd Place, at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 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.
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Man with bloodied hand charged with burglaryA 19-year-old West Elsdon man was charged with burglary after he reportedly was caught inside Revolution Barber Shop, 3906 W. 55th St., at 9:57 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 30. Police responding to a “burglary in progress” call said they found Abian D. Ramirez, 19, of the 5100 block of South Avers, inside the shop—near a broken window, with blood on his hands.
Woman roughed up, robbed on sidewalkA 48-year-old Scottsdale woman was roughed up and robbed of her purse as she walked down a sidewalk in the 7900 block of South Knox at 6:40 p.m. Monday, Sept. 24. The victim told police a man came up behind her, put his hand over her mouth and twisted her head sharply, so that she fell to the ground. He grabbed her purse and ran away east. He was described as a black man age 18-22, about 5-foot-11 and 160 pounds, with brown eyes, short black hair and a medium complexion. He wore a yellow jeans-jacket and black pants. The purse contained a cellphone, about $200 cash, prescription medications and other items. The victim sustained injuries to her right shoulder, elbow and knee but refused medical attention, police said.
Bust Berwyn man who allegedly stole, crashed pickup truck![]() |
| Andrew Haegele |
A 32-year-old Berwyn man was charged with possession of a stolen vehicle after he reportedly crashed a Chevy pickup truck into a light pole in front of 4654 S. Pulaski at 2:27 a.m. Monday, Sept. 24.
Andrew Haegele, of the 2700 block of South Kenilworth, “was driving at a high rate of speed when the pickup truck he was driving struck another vehicle and then a light pole,” a CPD spokesman said.
He was transported to a hospital, although police declined to say which one. Hargele also was charged with reckless driving, driving on a revoked license and other traffic-related offenses.
According to public records, Haegele has been arrested five times by CPD since 2014, on such charges as DUI, aggravated DUI and retail theft.
Unlocked window is entryway for burglars Burglars opened an unlocked kitchen window at a home in the 5500 block of South Keeler and stole a watch, a tablet computer and about $2,500 cash. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 25-year-old man, at 11:10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29.
Charge man with domestic battery, again![]() |
| Antonio Villanueva |
A 40-year-old West Elsdon man was charged with domestic battery, violating an order of protection and violation of the terms of bail after he was arrested at 12:15 a.m. Friday, Sept. 21 in the 5400 block of South Karlov.
Antonio Villanueva, of the 3800 block of West 57th Street, was apprehended “after striking the female victim with a closed fist to the face and pushing her to the ground,” police said. “The victim refused medical treatment.”
Bond was set at $50,000, and Villanueva is due in court on Wednesday, Oct. 10.
According to public records, Villanueva was arrested at the same address on Karlov back on July 10 and charged with domestic battery. In May 2016, he was arrested at 55th and Karlov and charged with public intoxication, battery and two counts of resisting a peace officer.
Computer, checks, cash swiped from homeBurglars entered the front door of a home in the 7700 block of South Kostner and stole a desktop computer, personal checks and assorted gold jewelry. The crime was discovered by a neighbor at 1:14 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20 who called police and said he saw a man walk out of the home with a computer and leave in a beige SUV. The burglar was described only as a Hispanic man wearing a white T-shirt and beige pants. The victim, a 35-year-old man, walked through the home with police to ensure that no one else was inside.
Claim Clearing man swiped charger from van![]() |
| James Obrzut |
A 39-year-old Clearing man was charged with burglary after he was arrested in the 6100 block of South Parkside at 10:14 a.m. Friday, Sept. 21.
James Obrzut, of the same block, allegedly entered a van parked on the block and stole a cellphone charger.
A witness told police that when she confronted Obrzut, he threw the charger on the ground and ran inside his home. Police said that a short time later, the victim came outside, saw the charger on the ground and called 911.
Police added that when they booked Obrzut, they learned he was wanted on a warrant; but they declined to say what he was wanted for or where the warrant was issued from.
Failed home invader damages front doorA would-be home invader fled when he heard a woman inside the house in the 5500 block of South Kolin, in a crime that occurred at 12:50 p.m. Monday, Sept. 24. The victim, a 40-year-old woman, told police that she did not get a look at the offender. The home’s front door was heavily damaged in the attack.
Lawnmower taken from garageBurglars kicked in the service door of a garage in the 5100 block of South Lamon and stole a lawnmower. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 67-year-old man, at 9:50 a.m. Monday, Sept. 24.
Bust man on theft rap![]() |
| Bruce Jones |
A 39-year-old West Lawn man was charged with theft after he was arrested at 3:32 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 26 in the 4000 block of West 59th Street.
Bruce D. Jones, of the 5900 block of South Keeler, “was placed into custody after he was positively identified for removing items off the victim’s front landing,” police said.
They did not say where the victim lives, when the crime occurred or if the missing items were returned.
According to public records, jones has been arrested four times by CPD since 2014, on such charges as possession of a controlled substance and criminal trespass to state land.
Jewelry taken from 59th Street homeBurglars broke the basement window of a home in the 6200 block of West 59th Street, entered and stole a box with assorted jewelry. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 61-year-old man, at 2:55 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 25.
Three bikes, car jack stolen from garageBurglars kicked in the service door of a garage in the 6700 block of South Tripp and stole three bicycles and a car jack. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 55-year-old woman, at 7:45 a.m. Monday, Sept. 24.
Say man refused to leave Jewel-Osco![]() |
| Zbigniew Stopka |
A 25-year-old Garfield Ridge man was charged with criminal trespass to land after he allegedly refused to leave the Jewel-Osco at 6107 S. Archer at 10:45 a.m. Monday, Sept. 24.
Zbigniew Stopka, of the 6000 block of West 55th Street, was apprehended at the scene.
According to public records, Stopka has been arrested four times by CPD since 2014, on such charges as theft, assault and domestic battery.
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Batter up! If you live in Archer Heights, West Elsdon, Vittum Park or eastern Garfield Ridge (east of Central Avenue) and you want your son or daughter to play ball this season, mark your calendar.
The Archer Manor Little League, one of the best youth athletic organizations in the city, is holding its signup later this month. Click the image for details or visit the AMLL website.
The Southwest Chicago Post is proud to be a sponsor of the AMLL, which since 1952 has provided athletic opportunities and taught teamwork and good sportsmanship to thousands of boys and girls.
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Want to meet Chicago Lawn (8th) District Police Commander Brian P. McDermott?
Eighteenth Ward Alderman Derrick Curtis is hosting a "meet and greet" with the new top cop.
Starts at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 8 in the auditorium at Bogan High School, 3939 West 79th Street. Park in the lot adjacent to the school's northeast corner. Entrance is there. Once inside, proceed to the auditorium.
If you have questions, call Curtis' ward office at (773) 284-5057.
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Our friends at St. Jane de Chantal School--one of the best grade schools on the Southwest Side--are starting a Moms N Tots program for boys and girls ages 2-3 years and their moms (or other caregivers).
The program is offered free of charge to children who are not yet enrolled in St. Jane's preschool program.
Click on the flyer below for details. But hurry. First session is Saturday, January 12.
Sounds like a fun and gentle way to ease little ones into a school environment!# # #
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January 10, 2019, 12:01 pm
We just heard from Danielle Radojevich, the new supervisor at Durkin Park, 8445 S. Kolin, who wants everyone to know that the park offers a Teen Club for boys and girls age 12-17.
The club meets from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Fridays.
Good way to keep our neighborhood kids engaged in positive activities in a structured, supervised environment.
No charge for membership. Questions? Call Danielle at (773) 284-7316.
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January 11, 2019, 12:24 pm
Opinion By Tim HadacManaging EditorSouthwest Chicago Post
Since the Southwest Chicago Post was founded in early 2012, we have brought news of crime--large and small--to the people of the Southwest Side.
That's important, we know you agree, because folks want to know what's going on. Where the garage break-ins are occurring. Where the home and business burglaries are happening. Details about robberies, batteries and assaults.
Folks also want to know about people charged with crimes--who they are, where they're from and what they look like.
That last bit of detail--what they look like--requires a mugshot.
And that can be important beyond simply satisfying folks' curiosity. Printing mugshots in newspapers, showing mugshots on TV and posting mugshots online in publications like the Southwest Chicago Post has, on occasion over the years, resulted in everything from apprehension of deadbeat dads to arrests of accused murderers.
Post a mugshot, and every now and then someone seeing it will have an "Aha!" moment and call police.
But not anymore. At least, not in Chicago.
You see, the Chicago Police Department has decided to no longer post mugshots of people they arrest for misdemeanor crimes--in other words, for the vast majority of arrests they make.
And when we say "misdemeanor," please don't think we're talking about a guy who steals a pack of gum from a store.
These days, "misdemeanor" often includes burglary, robbery, assault, battery and domestic battery, weapons violations, you name it. People often charged with violent crimes.
So now, instead of seeing what people charged with crimes look like, we'll see something like this:
Reminder, as always: people charged with crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
So why would the Chicago Police Department suddenly stop posting mugshots?
A CPD spokesman told me that "the state law changed on January 1st prohibiting the release of certain information on misdemeanor offenses. We had to scrub the database to ensure that it is in compliance with the new laws."
When I asked what law he was referring to, he said he could not recall at that moment.
What I assume he was referring to is a change to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act.
Previously--and still, I emphasize--the Illinois FOIA requires law enforcement agencies to routinely furnish information about men and women they arrest--including for misdemeanor crimes. That information, the Act says, is to include the arrestee's name, age, address and mugshot, as well as time and location of the arrest, criminal charges filed and a few other details.
What was amended is whether law enforcement agencies may post mugshots on their "social media websites," according to language added to the Illinois FOIA.
The exception is they may post--on social media platforms-- mugshots of people accused of felonies or people who are wanted for crimes but who remain at large.
The new legislation apparently only prohibits law enforcement agencies from posting mugshots on social media platforms--Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.--not their websites.
That's not just my opinion. That's the opinion of attorneys at the Illinois Press Association and elsewhere. And they confirmed that for me today.
I told that to the Chicago Police Department spokesman I communicated with.
I told him I was seeking an on-record statement from CPD on its interpretation of the law and why mugshots are no longer available.
Told him my deadline was 5 p.m. Monday, January 7.
The deadline came and went. No response at all from CPD.
Whatever. Welcome to the Emanuel Administration, right?
Anyway, here's my view: a mugshot represents a public act performed by a publicly-funded government agency enforcing laws designed to protect the public. Therefore, they may and should be disseminated by law enforcement agencies, routinely and in a responsible manner.
If you think it's important that the Chicago Police Department routinely release mugshots and all basic information required under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, do something about it.
Get ahold of the mayoral candidate you support and find out if she/he is aware of this situation and has a commitment to put things right, to ensure that CPD is releasing the right amount of information about accused criminals, routinely and in a timely manner. Show them this editorial, if you will.
I think you agree that ordinary citizens like us need all the help we can get--within reason--to confront and thwart crime. For lawmakers and police departments to whittle away at that and withhold information is unacceptable, in my view. And yours, too, I hope.
Thanks.
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January 12, 2019, 12:41 pm
Our friends at St. Symphorosa have big bingo fun coming up in February. Click the image for details!
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January 16, 2019, 8:30 am
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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Woman’s head slammed into tree stump during argumentA 27-year-old Scottsdale woman was treated for injuries at Advocate Christ Medical Center after a man slammed her head into a tree stump during an argument on the street in the 7900 block of South Kilbourn at 4:41 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 6. The victim told police she was sitting in a parked car with a friend—a 24-year-old man she named—when they started arguing over money he owed her. When she grabbed cash from the vehicle’s center console and got out, the man chased her. He slammed her head into the stump, took her cellphone and sped away in his car. Police assigned an evidence technician to process a blood sample found on the stump.
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Want to work directly with Chicago Police to prevent crime in your neighborhood? Make a New Year's resolution to attend your monthly CAPS meetings in 2019. 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. Check the map to see which beat is yours. Check back with the Southwest Chicago Post in the weeks ahead for meeting times and dates.
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Man wanted on molestation rap caught by cops
A 37-year-old South Side man was charged with four felony counts of aggravated criminal![]() |
| Valentino Wilbourn |
sexual abuse of a family member under 18, one felony count of criminal sexual assault family member under 18 and one felony count of criminal sexual assault/consent after a traffic stop at 3432 W. Marquette Road at 7:50 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8.
Valentino Wilbourn, of the 8100 block of South Drexel, was taken into custody at the scene.
A charge of unlawful possession of a handgun was added after police reportedly found a handgun wrapped in a black ski mask in the vehicle.
According to public records, Wilbourn has been arrested four times by CPD—twice for failing to register with police as a convicted gun offender.
Walking to bus stop, teen robbed at gunpointA 17-year-old Chicago Lawn boy was robbed at gunpoint in front of 6320 S. Francisco at 7:50 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8. The teen told police he was walking to a CTA bus stop when two men walked up. One waved a pistol and demanded his belongings. They stole his school backpack, cellphone, $20 cash and textbooks and supplies. They then ran away north on Francisco. The victim chased them a short way and saw them jump into a beige car and speed away. The bandits were described as black men age 18-19, one with his hair in an Afro style, the other’s hair was in dreadlocks.
Bandit flees store empty-handedA would-be robber tried but failed to force his way into the cash room of a store at 4932 S. Kedzie at 11:12 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8. Two store employees—a 46-year-old woman and a 66-year-old woman—were inside the locked cash room when a man knocked on the door and threatened to rob them if they did not open up. The women refused, and the man fled. He was described only as a black man wearing a black stocking cap. Police declined to name the store.
Whacked in the head, robbed as he sits on busAn 18-year-old West Lawn man was robbed as he sat on a CTA bus in front of 3154 W. Marquette Road at 5:40 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8. The victim told police that 4-5 people snatched away his cellphone, hit him on the side of the head and ran off the bus. The robbers were described only as black boys or men.
Phone tracker leads to armed robbery arrest
A 29-year-old West Elsdon man was charged with armed robbery after he allegedly used a![]() |
| Jose Granados |
handgun to rob an 18-year-old West Elsdon man of his wallet and cellphone.
Jose A. Granados, of the 3800 block of West 57th Place, was arrested at his home at about 10 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8, about 15 minutes after the crime occurred.
The victim told police he was standing near an alley near 57th and Springfield when a white SUV pulled alongside. The driver reportedly waved a pistol and demanded his belongings. The victim complied. A woman in the vehicle demanded the victim’s sweater. He refused and ran away. The SUV then sped away.
The victim, near his home, used a tracking application to trace his phone to Granados’ home. Police brought the victim to Granados’ home, where he was positively identified by the victim. The cellphone and wallet were recovered, police said.
Bandit in hoody robs man near ATMA 26-year-old Summit man said he was robbed at gunpoint near 63rd and Moody at 10:55 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8. The victim told police that as he was getting out of his car to go to a nearby ATM at a credit union, a man approached and tried to rob him. He pushed the bandit away, but the man then displayed a pistol in his waistband. He patted down the victim, took his wallet and removed $250 cash. He then ran away north on Moody and east down the alley behind the credit union. He wore a red hoody that concealed much of his facial characteristics. He was described only as a Hispanic man about 5-foot-7.
Bandits steal chicken, cheese sticks from driverA 61-year-old delivery driver was robbed of a food order as he stood on the street in the 3600 block of West 85th Street at 1:12 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 9. The victim, a driver for Nonna’s Pizza in Oak Lawn, told police that he tried to deliver an order of boneless chicken and cheese sticks to a house, but there was no answer at the door. He then was accosted by two robbers, who showed handguns and took the food. The victim jumped in his vehicle and sped away as the robbers him threatened him with their guns. He told police he heard a pop that he thought was a gunshot. He was not injured. One robber was described as a Hispanic man about 5-foot-10 and 150 pounds. The other was described as a Hispanic boy age 14-15, about 5-foot-11 and 175 pounds, with brown eyes and a light complexion.
Charge two with burglary of Garfield Ridge home![]() |
| Dion Stone |
Two 46-year-old West Side men were charged with burglary after they were arrested at a vacant home in the 5600 block of South Mason at 12:23 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8.
Dion Stone, of the 900 block of North Lavergne, and Shannon Williams, of the 800 block of North Lawler, were apprehended at the scene.
A CPD spokesman said that Williams “was observed walking to the door of the location with a bolt cutter and cutting a lockbox off the residence. Both offenders then entered the residence and removed property, loading it onto a truck.”![]() |
| Shannon Williams |
The vacant home is owned by a 32-year-old Orland Park man.
Gambling thief swipes $1,000 from barA man with a bogus slot machine receipt stole $1,000 cash from Orion bar, 5772 S. Archer, at 1:50 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8. The bar owner, a 51-year-old woman, told police that the man initially tricked her into thinking the receipt was valid. By the time she realized it was not, she had placed the cash on the counter, and the man grabbed it. She tried to lock the door to prevent the robber from leaving, but he shoved his way past her and ran away north. He was described as an Asian man age 30-40, about 5-foot-8 and 180 pounds, with brown eyes, short brown hair and a medium complexion.
Burglars hit apartment while victim out of townBurglars broke into an apartment in the 6700 block of West 63rd Street and stole a video game console, assorted gift cards and $450 cash. The crime was reported to police at 4:47 p.m. Friday, Jan. 4. The victim, a 46-year-old man, was out of town when the crime occurred.
Big Coach purse heist at Garfield Ridge homeBurglars forced open the side door of a home in the 5900 block of South Natoma and stole two laptop computers, a wedding ring, a Playstation 4 video game console and 20 Coach purses. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 38-year-old woman, at 2:55 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8.
Copper piping swiped from vacant apartmentBurglars entered an apartment building in the 6100 block of South Kildare and stole copper piping. The crime was reported to police by the building’s owner, a 48-year-old Scottsdale woman, at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8. The building is vacant and under renovation. Police said they saw no sign of forced entry.
Tools taken from garage in ClearingBurglars entered a condominium garage in the 6200 block of South Gullikson and stole assorted tools. The crime was reported to police by the victim, a 51-year-old man, at 3:57 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 6. The victim told police he noticed pry marks on a door.
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January 18, 2019, 11:08 pm
'Bad-tasting medicine' comes to Garfield Ridge
By Tim HadacManaging EditorSouthwest Chicago Post
Sad news in Garfield Ridge, as the Chicago Archdiocese has![]() |
| A photo from 2011, when St. Camillus celebrated its 90th anniversary. |
announced that St. Camillus Church will close no later than June 30, 2020--just short of its 100th anniversary--as part of a larger Catholic Church downsizing across the city and suburbs.
The announcement was made public via a press release sent out Friday night.
As part of its Renew My Church effort, St. Camillus Parish and its neighbor to the northwest, St. Jane de Chantal Parish, will merge, effective July 1, 2019. The church and school at St. Jane will remain open, Archdiocesan officials said.
The newly created parish will bear a new name--yet to be determined by Cardinal Blase Cupich--and both pastors will be transferred elsewhere, with a new pastor named, presumably in the spring of 2019.
The move was not entirely a surprise to parishioners. They, along with the faithful at St. Daniel the Prophet and Our Lady of the Snows, had in recent months been part of a Renew My Church planning process that made it clear there would be a downsizing.
Archdiocesan officials said that the churches at St. Dan's and OLS would remain as is, for now. Their schools will remain open "subject to maintaining enrollment and financial sustainability."
Background
The goal of Renew My Church, Archdiocesan officials say, is to “make disciples, build communities and inspire witness,” according to a statement.
Renew My Church is the Archdiocese of Chicago’s “response to Jesus Christ’s call and our invitation for renewal. Called by Jesus Christ, we are making disciples, building communities and inspiring witness. The Renew My Church process will transform the Archdiocese over the next several years by working with groupings of parishes to determine how they will achieve the goal of having vibrant, life-giving faith communities accessible to all Catholics.”“Today, we face a trending crisis of faith,” the unnamed narrator of a Renew My Church video says. “Fewer people than ever are connected with organized religion. Many who identify as Catholic do not attend weekly Mass. Overall, we see an increase in signs of a broken world. As a result of this crisis, we find ourselves with less people and financial resources for ministry.”
Despite the crisis, the video offers a confident and optimistic view of the future.
“We are a strong and committed church that will work together to overcome the challenges we face today and in the centuries to come,” the narrator adds. Through the Renew My Church initiative, the Archdiocese “will recommit our local church to the Gospel commission to make disciples, build vital communities of faith and inspire witness to bring the light and hope of Christ to a world in need.”
Last fall, Archdiocesan officials released another Renew My Church video—seemingly in response to pushback they have received from some Catholics skeptical of the process.
Entitled “Trust the Process,” the video includes an exhortation by Karen Moretti, a suburban Catholic and member of the new St. Mother Theodore Guerin Parish—a result of the Renew My Church consolidation of parishes in River Grove and Elmwood Park.“Keep the vision alive, because it will be difficult when you’re going through your [Renew My Church] groupings,” Moretti said. “If you keep the vision, you’ll realize that what you give up now will be for a much greater future. It’s kind of like taking a bad-tasting medicine and then feeling a lot better later.”
Like most Catholic parishes in the U.S., those in Garfield Ridge have suffered in recent decades from declining Mass attendance, financial contributions and numbers of priests available to administer sacraments.
The planned consolidation of St. Jane and St. Camillus comes on the heels of a merger a few miles southeast. St. Adrian in Chicago Lawn and Queen of the Universe in West Lawn merged last July as the newly named Mary, Mother of Mercy Parish.
East of Garfield Ridge, four parishes in Brighton Park are consolidating, as well.Such mergers are not new. Decades ago on the Southwest Side, Archdiocesan officials consolidated parishes in West Englewood. St. Justin Martyr, St. Mary of Mount Carmel, St. Theodore and others were either merged or closed.
A more recent example exists in McKinley Park, where Blessed Sacrament Parish is the result of the consolidation of three parishes—Our Lady of Good Counsel, St. Maurice and Sts. Peter and Paul.
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January 24, 2019, 9:43 pm
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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Police investigate cause of fatal crashA 42-year-old man from Burbank was killed when a vehicle he was driving hit a tree in the 6800 block of West 63rd Street at 11:58 p.m. Friday, Jan. 11. Wayne Douglas Pavlow was taken by ambulance to Advocate Christ Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead of multiple injuries about 90 minutes after arrival. Police are investigating to determine the cause of the crash. His death was ruled accidental by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.
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Want to work directly with Chicago Police to prevent crime in your neighborhood? If you live in and/or own a business in Beats 822 or 824 (see map) make plans to attend your next CAPS meeting, set for 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 5 at Hernández Middle School, 3510 West 55th Street.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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Reputed gang member shot in the legA 38-year-old North Side man said by police to be a documented gang member was shot in the right leg as he walked down a sidewalk in the 4500 block of South Lavergne at about 8:20 p.m. Monday, Jan. 14. The victim told police that the shooter fired from a dark-colored Ford vehicle. He said that after he was shot, he limped to a nearby house, pounded on the door and hollered for them to call 911. They did, and the victim was transported by CFD ambulance to Mt. Sinai Hospital, where he was treated for his injury.
Woman pushed to ground, robbedA 48-year-old Chicago Lawn woman was robbed as she walked near her home in the 3400 block of West 60th Street at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16. The victim told police that a man approached, pushed her to the ground and snatched away her purse. He then jumped into a red minivan driven by a woman. It sped away west on 60th Street. The victim later found her purse, but told police that it was missing her debit card and $70 cash. The robber was described as a black man age 20-25, about 5-foot-6 and 140 pounds.
Gas station attendant punched in head, robbedAn attendant at the Citgo station at 7700 S. Kedzie was robbed at gunpoint at about 3:10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16. The victim, a 32-year-old Chicago Ridge man, told police that the bandit waved a handgun and ordered him to surrender the station’s valuables. The victim said he handed over $1,400 cash and 11 cartons of Newport cigarettes (worth about $1,300). The robber then punched the attendant in the head twice before running away west on 77th Street. He was described as a black man about 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, with a medium complexion. He wore black clothing.
Bust 11 at memorial for slain gang memberEleven people were arrested and charged with battery to a police officer, obstruction of a peace officer and/or weapons violations during a disturbance inside and outside Watra nightclub, 4758 S. Pulaski at about 6:50 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17. Police said that the club was the scene of a memorial gathering to honor a gang member who was slain near 63rd and Damen earlier in the month. Aware that such gatherings are often the scene of retaliatory strikes by rival gangs, police were watching the scene. When they saw a man outside Watra, patting his waistband and acting suspiciously, they moved in to prevent any shootings. When they did, the people inside Watra began to swear at them and throw punches. Multiple police units then arrived at the scene in response to a 10-1 call (officers in danger). Police arrested Tyriana C. Owens, 25, of Milwaukee; Sharlize A. Joseph, 18, of the 10200 block of South La Salle; Chakita D. Trotter, 29, of Calumet City; Tyrone R. Phelps, 27, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Jasmine Joseph, 22, of the 6600 block of South Marshfield; Rajah Gardner, 33, of the 10700 block of South Church; Charles C. Joseph, 19, of the 10200 block of South La Salle; and Walter L. LeFlora, 32; Jarquisha L. Hayes, 23, and Deion A. Green, 21, all address unknown. Several officers suffered minor injuries after they were reportedly punched in the face and back of the head by several people at the scene. Police said they recovered a number of handguns inside the bar, as well as a handgun magazine with 21 live rounds inside.
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Delivery driver robbed of cellphone, foodA 50-year-old Chinatown man was robbed as he attempted to deliver food to a home in the 4400 block of South Lavergne at 9:40 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17. The victim is a driver for 1st Chop Suey, 5845 S. Archer. He told police that as he exited his vehicle, a man approached and demanded his belongings or he would kill him. The driver handed over his cellphone and an order of Chinese food. The robber than ran away west. He was described as a black man about 6-foot-2 and 165 pounds, with a medium complexion. He wore a black shirt and a black skull cap.
Charge man with aggravated assault
A 53-year-old Gage Park man was charged with aggravated assault after he allegedly![]() |
| Edward Ragazinskas |
refused to leave Su Nueva Lavandería, 3319 W. 55th St., and then threatened a police officer called to the scene.
Edward A. Ragazinskas, of the 5100 block of South Fairfield, was arrested at 12:40 a.m. Monday, Jan. 14 at the coin laundry.
According to public records, Ragazinskas has been arrested 13 times by CPD since 2014, on charges that include theft, criminal trespass to land and violating an order of protection (six times).
Charge man with drug crimes after home search![]() |
| Theodore Hantgos |
A 48-year-old man was charged with multiple drug-related crimes after police—acting on a warrant--searched his home in the 5300 block of South Kilbourn at 9:21 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8.
Theodore P. Hantgos was taken into custody and charged with one felony count-manufacture/deliver heroin, one felony count of possess heroin and three felony counts of possession of a controlled substance.
Cash, lottery tix taken by store burglarsBurglars broke through the roof of Parkview Food & Liquors, 3647 W. 83rd Place, and stole $2,000 worth of lottery tickets and about $200 cash. The crime was discovered by the manager, a 46-year-old man, when the burglar alarm was tripped just after 4:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 12. Surveillance footage showed the burglars to be two black men age 21-25, about 5-foot-10 and 145 pounds.
No sign of forced entry in garage burglaryBurglars entered a garage in the 4600 block of South Avers and stole two grills, a jack, a snow blower and a lawn mower. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 50-year-old woman, at 3:35 p.m. Jan. 15. There was no sign of forced entry, police said.
Man claims big cash loss in home heistA 27-year-old Clearing man told police that someone entered his home in the 5400 block of West 63rd Place and stole a fire safe containing $6,000 cash, a passport, a property deed and other items. He reported the crime at 8:47 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15.
Stole my Yule decorations, elderly woman saysAn 82-year-old West Lawn woman reported that her Christmas decorations and possibly other belongings were stolen from the basement of her home in the 6300 block of South Kenneth. She reported the crime at 12:35 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17 and told police that she believed the burglar to be a neighborhood man she had hired to help her set up Christmas decorations inside her home. She discovered the items missing when she walked down into her basement and found the exit door unlocked and the storm door ajar.
Charge man with urinating in alleyA 44-year-old Garfield Ridge man was charged with urinating on the public way after he allegedly was spotted peeing in an alley behind 5956 S. Archer at about 6:00 p.m. Friday, Jan. 11. Bogdan Jozef Pudzisz, of the 5200 block of South Melvina, was apprehended at the scene.
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January 24, 2019, 10:46 pm
At 12:27 a.m. Friday, January 25, police shared a community alert warning everyone about two men who reportedly tried to kidnap and sexually assault a 14-year-old girl in front of Tarkington School, in the 3300 block of West 71st Street, at 7:16 p.m. Thursday, January 24.
Police said that "two offenders exited a four-door black sedan and approached the victim. One of the offenders attempted to pull the victim into the vehicle and unbuckle her pants. The victim managed to get away and fled. The offenders also fled in an unknown direction."
The offenders were described only as Hispanic men--one about age 20-25, 5-foot-8 and 160 pounds.
Those with useful information to share about the crime are asked to call Area Central Detectives at (312) 747-8380 and refer to case number JC128623.
In the wake of the crime, police offered this advice:
• Be aware of this situation and alert your neighbors.
• Call 911 to report any suspicious persons, vehicles or activity in your neighborhood.
• Do not let children walk or play alone. Identify safe havens along your child's route to school and home, such as businesses or trusted neighbors.
• Always be aware of your surroundings.
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January 25, 2019, 10:30 am
By Joan HadacEditor and PublisherSouthwest Chicago Post
It's always good to hear positive feedback about a new business here on the Southwest Side. That's exactly what we received recently from our friend, Delia Canino, a leader of Brownie Troop 20444, sponsored by St. Daniel the Prophet School.
Delia reports that earlier this month, Healthy Substance, the new vegan restaurant at 6852 W. Archer, hosted Troop 20444 to help them earn their Healthy Snacks badge.
Everyone at Healthy Substance "went over and beyond anything we could of possibly expected," Delia tells us. "Patti Gonzalez, the owner and chef, along with her pastry chef, Mark, and her son, Luis, engaged the girls for our two-hour visit.
"They educated the girls on what it is to be a vegan and/or a vegetarian," Delia continues. "The girls also learned how to make several snacks such as guacamole, banana pudding, an energy snack, garbanzo snickerdoodles, brownies, pepperoni and smoothies. All the girls got a taste -- most had never had any of the items made. Everything was delicious! We are so pleased that they were open to having all the girls come in and educate them on healthy eating. I'm exceptionally proud of all the girls, too, for taste testing all the items offered to them -- they were all pleasantly surprised by how good it all tasted."
Thanks to the troop for taking and sharing a few photos of the fun!
In the photos are Brownies Sophia Alcala, Brianna Almanza, Jocelyn Calderon, Julia Canino, Alexandra Casale, Sofia Cosentino, Madelyn Coughlin, Bridget Curry, Abigail D'Albenzio, Sylvia Fonseca, Sophia Garcia, Celia Gorz, Sydney Hayes, Avery Hervieux, Gianna Lucio, Michaela Orseske, Allison Piegari, McKayla Rogers, Emma Sides, Peyton Smolarczyk, Savana Street, Alani Torrez, Leila Zarco and Lexi Howard.
Troop leaders are Delia Canino and Elisabeth Fonseca.
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January 26, 2019, 9:32 am
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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Woman says man punched, raped her![]() |
| Clint Woods |
A 48-year-old Clearing man was charged with aggravated criminal sexual assault after he allegedly punched a woman and forced her to have sex with him in his apartment in the 5700 block of West 64th Street at about 7:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 21.
Clint Kelly Woods was arrested in the 4600 block of West 63rd Street at 9:15 the same morning.
Police said the incident occurred after Woods had a verbal altercation with the victim. Bond was denied, and Woods is set to appear in court on Monday, Feb. 11.
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Want to work directly with Chicago Police to prevent crime in your neighborhood? If you live in and/or own a business in Beats 815 or 821 (see map) make plans to attend your next CAPS meeting, set for 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 6 at St. Bruno School (south end, St. Joseph Room), 4839 S. Harding. 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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Arrest Scottsdale man on drug, domestic violence charges![]() |
| Angel Cisneros |
A 22-year-old Scottsdale man was charged with misdemeanor domestic battery and felony possession of a controlled substance after police arrested him at his home in the 8000 block of South Komensky at 3:40 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 20.
Angel Cisneros was apprehended by officers responding to a call of a domestic disturbance. He allegedly struck a 20-year-old woman in the face, “causing bruising to her eye,” a CPD spokesman said. “A search also revealed Cisneros to be in possession of a controlled substance.”
According to public records, Cisneros has been arrested nine times by CPD since 2014, on charges that included possession of a controlled substance and possession of cannabis.
Bust man who allegedly attacked others![]() |
| Juan Cortez |
A 22-year-old Garfield Ridge man was charged with misdemeanor reckless conduct after he allegedly was caught attacking people on the street at 56th and Narragansett, at 1:45 a.m. Friday, Jan. 11.
Juan Cortez, of the 5300 block of South Long, was apprehended after “he was observed by several citizens obstructing the flow of traffic and throwing bottles at passing vehicles and a passerby,” according to police.
Convicted felon found with stolen rifle, cops say![]() |
| Fares Abdelqader |
A 21-year-old Alsip man was charged with possession of a stolen firearm, unlawful use of a weapon by a convicted felon and aggravated assault after a traffic stop at 4300 S. Trumbull at 6:34 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18.
Fares Abdelqader, of the 3800 block of West 116th Street, was taken into custody after police responding to a “man with a gun” call to 911 reportedly curbed a vehicle a vehicle he was in and found a rifle, a CPD spokesman said.
According to public records, Abdelqader has been arrested eight times by CPD since 2016, on charges that included possession of a controlled substance, obstruction of identification and violating parole by having contact with a street gang member (four times).
Say man tried to use another person’s credit card![]() |
| Travis Phelan |
A 28-year-old West Side man was charged with identity theft after he allegedly tried to use another person’s credit card to purchase merchandise at Carquest Auto Parts, 5815 W. 63rd St.
Travis J. Phelan, of the 4800 block of West North Avenue, was arrested after a store clerk became aware that the card did not belong to Phelan, a CPD spokesman said.
According to public records, Phelan was arrested by CPD in 2017 near Roosevelt and Avers and charged with violating parole by having contact with a street gang member.
Man busted on weapons chargeA 38-year-old West Lawn man was charged with unlawful use of a weapon by a convicted felon after he was arrested during a traffic stop in the 6000 block of West 63rd Street at 10:40 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19. Joseph Palczynski, of the 3800 block of West 64th Street, was apprehended after police reportedly saw a gun in his vehicle, in plain sight. They had stopped his vehicle because it was observed driving back and forth in an alley at the scene, a CPD spokesman said.
Bust suburban man on meth rap![]() |
| Daniel Serrano |
A 27-year-old Justice man was charged with possession of methamphetamine after a traffic stop in front of 6650 W. 59th St. at 10:47 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19.
Daniel A. Serrano, of the 7400 block of South Banks, was apprehended after police reportedly found an undisclosed quantity of the drug in his backpack, a police spokesman said.
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February 3, 2019, 6:19 pm
Josh Czarny adds second barber, a Navy vet
By Tim HadacManaging EditorSouthwest Chicago Post
While many old-school barbershops in Garfield Ridge and Clearing exist only in people’s memories, Stan’s is not only surviving, it’s thriving.
Starting this month, the iconic Stan’s Barbershop, 6652 ½ W. Archer, is a six-day shop--open Mondays for possibly the first time ever, now that a second barber has been brought on by owner Josh Czarny.
New, expanded hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays.
“This shop has gotten busier, but we’re only going to get so busy with one barber,” Czarny said. “But if customers know two of us are on duty and there’s little to no waiting, they’re more likely to stop in.”
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| Czarny (foreground), Hajewski (background). |
The new barber is John Hajewski, who most recently worked cutting hair at shops in the Loop and on the North Side.
“John is a good man who knows what he’s doing,” Czarny said. “Customers will like him. He’s worked at some good barbershops.”
Hajewski specializes in straight-razor shaves, traditional men’s haircuts and fades—although he is versatile enough to handle a variety of requests.
A native of suburban Bridgeview, Hajewski graduated from Wilkins Junior High School. Later he lived in the Archer Heights neighborhood while he attended St. Rita High School, where he graduated in 2006.
After high school, he joined the Navy and served a four-year stint.
Then it was on to a year at a barber school.
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| New lettering on Stan's Barbershop's front window. |
Hajewski said he decided to try barbering because he has “a really good attention to detail, which helps in this business.”
While he has been at Stan’s for just a few weeks, he said he likes the mix of customers, young and old, as well as the “vintage feel” of the shop.
Stan’s Barbershop was established in 1965 by Garfield Ridge resident Stan Podlasek. The shop got a new lease on life in late 2017 when Podlasek retired and Czarny, a 35-year-old Southwest Side native, picked up the shears and pumped new life into what has been one of the oldest and most liked businesses on the strip.
Some of Stan’s is the same, most notably the teal-colored chairs, spinning barber pole and of course, the iconic blue-neon window sign.
But other things are notably improved, such as new flooring and wall coverings that give the storefront a warmer feel. There also are two new wall-mounted TVs, a display of hair-care products and an eye-catching shop logo that incorporates Chicago’s municipal flag.
The goal is a family-friendly atmosphere suitable for young![]() |
| A friendly message on Stan's Barbershop's front door. |
and old. Czarny himself has cut hair for customers of all ages, from a 10-month-old boy getting his first haircut to a 94-year-old man who has been coming to Stan’s for years.
Services offered are similar to the traditional cuts offered by Stan Podlasek, with notable additions likes fades and other styles, as well as beard trims and hot-towel, straight-razor shaves.
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February 6, 2019, 10:58 pm
By Joan HadacEditor and PublisherSouthwest Chicago Post
A number of men, women and children in need are a bit warmer this winter, thanks to the hearts and hands of Kinzie Girl Scout Brownie/Junior Troop 20423.
The girls of the troop--third through fifth graders at Kinzie--made and donated 18 blankets to Almost Home, a Hometown-based non-profit that assists families who are homeless.
Girl Scout mom Janelle Karnas spearheaded the activity. She asked adult leaders about the girls readiness for a service learning project.The girls' objective was to take action and persevere to being an Agent of Change as they worked on their Girl Scouts Journey Its Your World Change It series of badges.
Janelle has done this in the past and had a lot of extra material left over from some old projects. She donated all the materials and brought in a few other troop moms in to help the girls with the project.
Girl Scout Gennevieve Ortiz said, "I loved making blankets for the homeless because it was a fun thing to do and it helps others!"Girl Scout Troop 20423 formed in fall of 2014 when Kinzie moms Elizabeth Ortiz and Michelle Ayala recruited kindergarten and first grade girls to be part of their Daisy troop.
"We started off with nine girls, and our troop has steadily grown over the years," said Elizabeth Ayala. "Now we have 17!"
The girls have earned many badges and been on many field trips over the past five years; but this is "their most meaningful project to date," Elizabeth Ortiz added.
Troop members pictured are (from left to right): Isabella Patel-Garcia, Jordayn Mayhew, Morgan Seggerson, Gianna Plescia, Sasha Del Raso, Emily Karnas, Quincy Ayala, Gennevieve Ortiz, Danielle Shilling, Evelyn Guzman, Aileen Guzman and Bianca Hernandez.
Well done, girls!# # #
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February 19, 2019, 8:25 pm
All invited to be Irish for a day
By Joan HadacEditor and PublisherSouthwest Chicago Post
A city neighborhood once known as a Polish bastion—and now known increasingly for its Hispanic influx--will hostan Irish-themed parade again this year.
The Clear-Ridge Men’s Social Athletic Club (SAC)'s parade is scheduled to step off at noon Saturday, March 16 at Archer and Oak Park, march east on Archer to Narragansett and then south to the Kennedy High School parking lot. The event will be held rain or shine.
"This parade gets a little bigger and more popular every year, because it’s all about family fun," said SAC member Dave Monahan, who founded the parade in 2015 with James M. Sweeney, President-Business Manager of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150.
A union electrician and Garfield Ridge homeowner, Monahan said the parade was founded simply and almost informally “by guys from the neighborhood, union guys who wanted to do something good for the community.”
The Clear-Ridge Men’s SAC is currently about 200 men strong, Monahan said. It maintains a relatively low profile in the area, doing good deeds quietly for those in need.
Clearing and Garfield Ridge families—as well as non-profits like groups associated with local churches, schools, parks, Little Leagues, Scout troops, civic leagues, neighborhood watches and such—are welcome to organize a marching unit or float and be in the parade.
Local businesses are also welcome to be a part of the fun.There is an entry fee of $250 for political candidates and parties, as well as individuals and organizations outside the neighborhood. Sponsorships also are available, ranging from $500 to $2,500.
Proceeds will benefit Misericordia, which since 1921 has provided care and a range of services to people with developmental disabilities.
“This is all about the neighborhood, and we aim to keep it that way,” said Monahan, who grew up in the neighborhood, attending St. Symphorosa School and St. Joseph High School in Westchester. He and his wife have raised their family in St. Daniel the Prophet Parish.
In response to a question, Monahan said a St. Patrick’s Day parade in Garfield Ridge is something he could not have imagined as a kid. “We’d sometimes go to the downtown parade or the other one [in Beverly],” he recalled. “But hey, times change—and besides, everyone can be Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, right?”
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February 21, 2019, 8:35 pm
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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Scottsdale man charged with murder
A 21-year-old Scottsdale man was charged with murder after he was arrested by police in![]() |
| Mario Vargas |
the 8100 block of South Komensky at 3:47 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5.
Mario Vargas, of the 4100 block of West Crestline, was spotted by police on patrol, a CPD spokesman said.
He is charged with gunning down 21-year-old Gage Park resident Juan Cruz at the mouth of an alley near 58th and Washtenaw at about 10:40 p.m. Oct. 20, 2018. At the time, Vargas lived near the scene of the slaying.
Prosecutors alleged that Vargas, on orders from another man, ran outside to ambush Cruz' minivan, after Cruz and the other man had been involved in a 10-minute car chase in the neighborhood. The dispute was allegedly over Cruz letting the air out of the tires of an ex-girlfriend's vehicle.
Vargas allegedly fired into the vehicle, hitting Cruz in the shoulder. An 18-year-old woman in the vehicle was not injured. Cruz was transported to the University of Chicago Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Bond was denied, and Vargas is currently in custody of the Cook County Department of Corrections. His next scheduled court date is February 26.
Bust two who allegedly checked car door handlesTwo 20-year-old men were charged with disorderly conduct after they allegedly were seen walking down the 6100 block of West 64th Street, lifting vehicle door handles. Ramon D. Vera, of the 3600 block of South Seeley, and Leonardo Marquez, of the 6100 block of South Massasoit, were identified by a witness and arrested in the alley behind 6237 W. 64th Place at 12:57 a.m. Friday, Feb. 15.
Berwyn man hit with DUI charge after crash![]() |
| Carlos Caterino |
A 46-year-old Berwyn man was charged with DUI and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident at the scene of a crash in front of 6015 W. 55th St. at about 6 a.m. Friday, Feb. 15.
Carlos Caterino, of the 1900 block of South Highland, also was charged with driving on a suspended license.
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Electricity salesman robbed at gunpointA 30-year-old Roseland man working as a door-to-door salesman was robbed at gunpoint as he walked down a sidewalk in the 4600 block of South Lavergne at 10:20 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14. Police encountered the victim several blocks away, at 4735 S. Cicero, and he told them that he had been working the area, selling services of Constellation Electricity, when a man approached, pointed a gun at his chest and said, “Give me everything you’ve got.” The victim tossed him his wallet and ran away east. Police searching the area later found the victim’s wallet and returned it to him. The victim examined it and said that it was missing a credit card, $20 cash, and a Ventra card. The robber was described as a Hispanic man about 5-foot-5 and 130 pounds, with a medium complexion. He wore a black hoody, a black ski mask and black pants.
Angry cook scares off gunmanA bat-wielding restaurant owner/cook frightened off a would-be robber at Tony’s Kitchen, 6325 S. Central. The owner, a 54-year-old West Lawn man, told police that the robber initially posed as a customer when he entered the eatery at 10:50 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 14. He asked to use the bathroom. When he came out, he pulled a handgun and demanded money. The owner said he had none because the restaurant had just opened—and he then brandished a bat and waved it at him. The offender then ran away west through a nearby alley. He was described as a white man age 22-24, about 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, with a light complexion. He wore a black hoody, a black ski mask and blue jeans.
Bust man who allegedly punched state trooper![]() |
| Rashad Smith |
A 30-year-old Near North Side man was charged with battery after he allegedly punched an off-duty state policeman in the head after a fender-bender that occurred near 55th and Parkside at 5:50 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13.
Rashad D. Smith, of the 1600 block of North Orchard, was detained until Chicago Police arrived on the scene.
Back from the doctor’s, find home ransackedBurglars broke into a house in the 5400 block of South Newcastle, ransacked several rooms and stole assorted jewelry. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 77-year-old man, when he and his wife returned from a doctor’s appointment at about 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14.
Homeowner scares away burglarsBurglars tried to force their way into a home in the 5200 block of South Neva but were frightened off by the homeowner, a 55-year-old man. The crime occurred at 3:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 11. The victim told police he was in his basement when he heard noises upstairs, at his front and back doors. When he ran upstairs to investigate, he saw two would-be burglars get into a gray Mitsubishi sedan with temporary license plates from Indiana. The vehicle then sped away south on Neva and possibly west on 53rd Street. The burglars were described only as white men age 19-23.
Phone, jewelry swiped from houseBurglars broke into a home in the 6600 block of South Kolin and stole an iPhone and assorted jewelry. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 37-year-old woman, when she came home at 3:45 p.m. Monday, Feb. 11.
Cash, video game console stolenBurglars broke into a home in the 6600 block of South Kildare and stole a video game console and controllers, as well as $200 cash. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 49-year-old woman, at 6:25 p.m. Monday, Feb. 11.
Door kicked in, home ransackedBurglars kicked open the front door of a home in the 6200 block of South Kolin and stole a small amount of cash. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 26-year-old woman, at about 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13. It was initially unclear what, if anything else, may have been stolen because the home was ransacked.
No sign of forced entry in 51st Street heistA 40-year-old Vittum Park woman told police that someone entered her home in the 5000 block of West 51st Street and stole a laptop computer. She said she did not know how the burglar entered. There was no sign of forced entry.
Flimsy bag foils robbersTwo gunmen held up the Boost Mobile store at 5101 S. Cicero at 1:26 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6, but most of what they stole was recovered and returned. Two Boost sales associates told police that the bandits pulled guns and demanded all the phones in the store. They complied and stuffed phones into a black plastic garbage bag provided by the robbers. The bandits then fled the store, running east on 51st Street and then north through the alley behind Keating. As they got into a getaway vehicle, the bag broke—spilling most of the phones on the ground. They sped away without picking up the phones. The robbers were described as black men age 20-25, about 5-foot-8 and 155 pounds. One had black hair in dreadlocks and a light complexion. The other had short black hair and a dark complexion. They wore dark clothing.
Convicted sex offender allegedly violates order of protection
A 39-year-old Garfield Ridge man was charged with violating an order of protection after he![]() |
| Mario Pecina |
was arrested in the 5400 block of South Laramie at 11:08 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6.
Mario Pecina, of the same block, was apprehended because he had been “inside the residence of a 67-year-old female relative who has an active order of protection against him,” a CPD spokesman said. “He was also under the influence of alcohol.”
He was ordered held without bond and was set to appear in court earlier this month.
According to public records, Pecina has been arrested by CPD 10 times since 2014, on such charges as domestic battery, criminal trespass to a residence and failure of a sex offender to register with authorities. According to the Illinois State Police, Pecina was convicted in 2005 of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old child in Alabama.
Charge man with domestic batteryA 22-year-old West Lawn man was charged with domestic battery after he allegedly hit his 19-year-old wife and took her cellphone during an argument in their home in the 3900 block of West 70th Street. Juan M. Lopez was arrested and charged.
Pedestrian shot at by gang membersA 22-year-old West Lawn man was shot at by gang members who accosted him on a sidewalk in the 5400 block of South Tripp at 10:10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2. The victim told police that one of five young men who approached him asked, “What you is?” and that the victim replied, “You guys are lame.” The victim then called 911 and while on the phone, the gang members shot at him twice. He hid behind a house, and they ran away. Descriptions of the offenders were vague.
Woman says she escaped robbersA 40-year-old Clearing woman told police that a man tried to rob her while she was in her car in an alley in the 6200 block of West 64th Place at 10:25 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7. The victim said that because her driver’s side door was frozen shut, she crawled into the car through the rear hatch. Once she did, she saw a man demanding that she open the driver’s door. When she explained she couldn’t do it, the man pulled a handgun and threatened her. She told police that she then got out of the car through the rear hatch and ran towards a neighbor’s apartment to ask for help. She said the would-be robber then entered a first-floor apartment, then left and sped away in a small, gray, four-door Ford sedan with two other men. The gunman was described only as a Hispanic man age 20-30, wearing a black and red jacket and black jeans.
Security cam captures man who may be burglarA burglar broke into an apartment in the 6000 block of West 63rd Street and stole a PlayStation video game console, $90 cash and assorted jewelry. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 25-year-old man, at about 12:20 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7. A neighbor told police that his security camera captured footage of a man who may have been the burglar, leaving the apartment with something concealed under a blanket. The man appeared to be a Hispanic man age 25-30, about 5-foot-10 and 170 pounds, with brown eyes, black hair in a “shaved” style, and a light complexion.
Granny shows cops way to stolen pizza, ribsA 60-year-old driver for Triano’s Pizza, 6758 W. Archer, was robbed at gunpoint as he tried to deliver pizza, ribs and pop to a home in the 4400 block of South Lavergne at 8:50 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6. The victim told police that he was outside when a man approached, pulled what appeared to be a black shotgun from behind a fence and said, “Give me your money. I’m not f~cking around.” The victim said he handed over about $300 cash, as well as the food. The bandit then ran away west, and the victim also fled the scene. Police investigating the crime learned that the food order was placed online by a person using a valid email address. Police traced the order to a man living in the 4400 block of South Lavergne. They drove to the home, where they were met by the man’s grandmother, who let them in. Inside, police found the food in question in a bedroom, with a Triano’s receipt still attached. The suspect was not on the premises. The food was confiscated and inventoried.
Pizza man robbed by rifle-toting banditA 23-year-old driver for Beggars Pizza was robbed at gunpoint as he tried to deliver a pizza to a home in the 4400 block of South Lavergne at about 10 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5. The victim told police that he was approached by a man with a rifle who said, “Give me all your money.” The victim said he handed over about $200 cash, dropped the food on the ground, got in his car and sped away. He called the pizzeria’s manager to report the crime. Later, the two returned to the scene but noticed the food was gone from where it had been dropped. The bandit was described as a black man age 18-21, about 5-foot-10 and 155 pounds, with a medium complexion. He wore black clothing.
Charge man with stolen vehicle possession
A 56-year-old Lower West Side man was charged with possession of a stolen vehicle and![]() |
| Carl Nietupski |
three counts of theft, after a traffic stop at 46th and Cicero at 4:59 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1.
Carl E. Nietupski, of the 2700 block of West Roosevelt Road, was arrested after police learned that the vehicle he was driving had been reported stolen.
The theft charges were added after officers learned that the vehicle “contained property that did not belong to [Nietupski],” a CPD spokesman said.
According to public records, Nietupski has been arrested five times by CPD since 2017—including once for possession of a stolen vehicle in December 2017.
Bust woman at MDW on drug trafficking rap![]() |
| Jamilya Gabb |
A 25-year-old South Side woman was charged with cannabis trafficking after she was arrested at Midway Airport at 6:55 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4.
Jamilya A. Gabb, of the 4700 block of South King Drive, was detained after police reportedly saw her “take possession of a set of suspicious luggage…[Gabb] did not own the luggage although it was registered in her name,” a CPD spokesman said. Gabb “gave written consent to officers to search the luggage, which contained a large amount of suspect cannabis,” the spokesman added.
Claim man carried replica gun![]() |
| Zbigniew Stopka |
A 26-year-old Garfield Ridge man was charged with carrying a replica gun/pellet gun after he was arrested at 6:33 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2 in front of 5446 S. Central.
Zbigniew Stopka, of the 6000 block of West 55th Street, was seen “walking with the butt of a weapon sticking out of his jacket pocket,” a CPD spokesman said.
According to public records, Stopka has been arrested five times by CPD since 2014, on such charges as criminal trespass to land, theft, assault and domestic battery.
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