Editor's note: The crime news reported by the Southwest Chicago Post---taken directly from Chicago Police Department incident reports---is not by any means an exhaustive catalogue of all crime reported in the Chicago Lawn (8th) District. For example, it typically does not include news of crimes committed in the eastern sectors of the district---because the Southwest Chicago Post's coverage area is primarily the neighborhoods that border Midway Airport and secondarily because including the relatively large volume of crime news from elsewhere in the district would be a logistical challenge. We make this note to offer a little helpful perspective and remind everyone that while crime is definitely a concern in all parts of the district (as it always has been), crime remains relatively low overall in the western section of the district. May all of us work together diligently to keep it that way. May all of us also remember that a person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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High-speed crash kills woman
A 31-year-old woman was killed after the SUV she was driving struck a concrete support beam at 79th and Kedzie at 7:02 a.m. Saturday, May 11. Police said the woman was driving “at a high rate of speed in a 2013 Chevrolet Captiva.” She was transported to Advocate Christ Medical Center, where she died from her injuries. A seven-month-old girl was in the vehicle and was also taken to Advocate Christ, where she was listed in good condition. Police declined to say whether the infant was the child of the driver.
Two shot at party
Two people were shot as they attended a party in a first-floor apartment in the 2600 block of West Lithuanian Plaza Court (69th Street) at 1:31 a.m. Saturday, May 11. Witnesses told police that the shooter was outside in a tan sedan. One victim, a 31-year-old man, was shot in the chest and was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center, where he was listed in serious condition. The other victim, a 36-year-old woman, was shot in the left leg. She was taken to Holy Cross Hospital, where she was listed in stable condition. No one is in custody.
Teen shot on 63rd Street sidewalk
A 15-year-old boy was shot in the left side as he stood on a sidewalk in the 3900 block of West 63rd Street at 7:46 p.m. Friday, May 10. The victim told police that a boy or man walked up to him and began firing a pistol. The victim was transported to Advocate Christ Medical Center, where he was listed in stable condition. Police said they are questioning a person of interest.
Man shot on sidewalk
A 23-year-old man was shot three times as he stood on a sidewalk in the 6700 block of South Oakley at 6:21 p.m. Friday, May 10. He was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center, where he was listed in serious condition. He was shot in the back and suffered graze wounds to his chest and right leg. Witnesses told police that the shooter got out of a dark-colored vehicle before he pulled a pistol and fired. No One is in custody.
Claim Clearing man touched minor inappropriately
A 74-year-old Clearing man was charged with three counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse after he was arrested in the 6000 block of South Massasoit at 11:50 a.m. Thursday, May 2. Celso S. Sias, of the same block, allegedly engaged in inappropriate touching of a family member under age 18, a CPD spokesman said.
Sias
Bust convicted felon on weapons charge
A 34-year-old Chicago Lawn man was charged with unlawful use of a weapon by a convicted felon after he was apprehended by police after a foot chase that ended in front of 6402 S. Western at 6:29 p.m. Wednesday, May 8. Kevin L. Gibson, of the 6400 block of South Richmond, was driving a vehicle nearby and was stopped by police for not stopping at a stop sign. Officers said they smelled burnt cannabis coming from the vehicle. They added that Gibson tried to drive off twice before he bolted from the vehicle and ran. In the scuffle that occurred after police caught him, an officer was injured; so a charge of aggravated battery was added. Police said that Gibson was carrying a handgun; and since he has multiple prior convictions relating to weapons and drugs, he was hit an “armed habitual criminal” charge. Bond was denied, and Gibson was set to appear in court at 111th and Ellis on Wednesday, May 15.
Gibson
Claim Clearing driver was using cellphone
A 40-year-old Clearing man was charged with using a cellphone while driving, as well as driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle after his vehicle was curbed by police in front of 5701 S. Narragansett at 6:55 p.m. Saturday, May 4. Amin Al Rifai, of the 6300 block of West 63rd Place, was arrested without incident.
Charge man, again, with violating an order of protection
A 36-year-old West Lawn man was charged with criminal damage to property and violating an order of protection after he was arrested in the 6300 block of South Tripp at 3:15 p.m. Tuesday, April 30. Szymon Pinkowski, of the same block, allegedly damaged the rear door of a home on the block. According to public records, Pinkowski has been arrested three times by CPD in the last 15 months—once in 2018 for criminal damage to property and once two months ago for violating an order of protection. All three arrests occurred at the same address.
Pinkowski
Charge two with trespassing at Scottsdale home
A 19-year-old Chicago Lawn man and an 18-year-old Ashburn man were charged with criminal trespass to a residence after they allegedly were in a yard near 84th and Kedvale at about 5 p.m. Friday, May 3. Tyrie T. Bones, of the 6400 block of South Troy and Knowledge F. Harper, of the 3500 block of West 80th Place, were apprehended near the property where they allegedly trespassed.
Bones
Knowledge
Arrest motorist who allegedly caused crash
A 45-year-old Ashburn man was charged with reckless driving, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, leaving the scene of an accident and operating an uninsured motor vehcle after police arrested him in the 3500 block of West Columbus at 10:30 p.m. Thursday, May 2. Isidro Ramirez-Neri, of the 3900 block of West 82nd Place, allegedly fled after his vehicle hit another vehicle and caused a chain-reaction crash with a third vehicle, a CPD spokesman said.
Ramirez-Neri
Man charged with battery again
A 31-year-old Garfield Ridge man was charged with battery after he was accused of punching another person. Pawel Budz, of the 5800 block of South Archer, was arrested on the block where he lives at 10:10 p.m. Saturday, May 4. Police offered no other details about the alleged crime. According to public records, Budz has been arrested eight times by CPD since 2014 on such charges as battery, domestic battery and aggravated assault.
Budz
Clerk claims man swiped liquor
A 47-year-old Clearing man was charged with misdemeanor retail theft after he allegedly stole merchandise from Miska’s Liquors, 6410 W. 63rd St., at 9:05 p.m. Tuesday, April 30. Albert Santoyo, of the 6900 block of West 63rd Street, took two bottles of alcoholic beverages without paying for them, a clerk told police.
Santoyo
McKinley Park traffic stop leads to gun charge
A 23-year-old Gage Park described by police as a gun offender was charged with failing to register to register with authorities after a traffic stop at 39th and Honore at 11:30 p.m. Sunday, May 5. Victor M. Perez, of the 5700 block of South Campbell, was apprehended at the scene. According to public records, Perez has been arrested three times by CPD since 2014 on charges that included reckless conduct and criminal trespass to a residence.
Perez
Claim man would not leave mall
A 25-year-old man from downstate Carbondale was charged with criminal trespass to land after he allegedly refused to leave the grounds of Ford City Mall. Deonte L. Jones was apprehended at the scene. A charge of misdemeanor battery was added after Jones allegedly shoved a mall employee.
Jones
36-year-old man was in stable condition at Advocate Christ Medical Center after he was shot multiple times in the West Lawn neighborhood. Police said the victim was hit in the 7100 block of South Lawndale at 7:17 p.m. Saturday, May 4. The shooter fired from a passing vehicle. No one is in custody.
Want to work directly with Chicago Police to prevent crime in your neighborhood? If you live in and/or own a business in Beat 811 (see map) make plans to attend your next CAPS meeting, set for 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 21 at Garfield Ridge Presbyterian Church, 5550 South Merrimac. 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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Felon arrested on weapons, drug rap
A 30-year-old Clearing man was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon by a convicted felon after he was arrested on the street in the 5600 block of West 64th Street at 6:40 p.m. Friday, April 19.
Victor A. Smekal, of the 5800 block of West 63rd Street, was arrested by police executing a search warrant, a CPD spokesman said.
Officers reportedly found a handgun in his vehicle, as well as a quantity of cocaine on him.
According to public records, Smekal has been arrested five times by CPD since 2014 on such charges as reckless conduct, theft and possession of a controlled substance.
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Claim man punched two others in disturbance
A 32-year-old Scottsdale man was charged with two counts of aggravated battery after he allegedly punched two people, multiple times, during a domestic dispute.
Marco A. Padron-Garcia, of the 8600 block of South Kildare, was arrested in the 8500 block of South Kedvale at 7:47 a.m. Tuesday, April 23.
According to public records, Padron-Garcia has been arrested three times by CPD since 2017 on charges that included violating an order of protection and aggravated assault.
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Say man punched other man in the mouth
A 27-year-old West Elsdon man was charged with domestic battery after he allegedly punched a 26-year-old man in the mouth during a quarrel in a home in the 5300 block of South Kenneth at 4:15 p.m. Saturday, April 27.
Desmond Landrum was arrested without incident.
According to public records, Landrum was arrested by CPD almost exactly four years earlier on the West Side and charged with criminal damage to property.
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Bust man who allegedly threatened police
A 26-year-old Garfield Ridge man was charged with assault and battery after he allegedly threatened and shoved a police officer in the 5600 block of South Parkside at 7:40 p.m. Monday, April 29.
Zbigniew Stopka, of the 6000 block of West 55th Street, allegedly said, “I’m gonna f~ck your ass up” to an officer investigating a domestic disturbance call.
According to public records, Stopka has been arrested six times by CPD since 2014, on such charges as domestic battery, assault, theft and criminal trespass to land.
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Arrest Dolton man on DUI charge
A 35-year-old Dolton man was charged with aggravated DUI after a traffic stop by police in the 5400 block of South Nagle at 1:33 a.m. Tuesday, April 23.
Christian Federico Posadas Martinez, of the 1500 block of Berg Drive, also was charged with driving without a license and obstruction of traffic.
Bust Oak Lawn man on coke rap in Brighton Park
A 37-year-old Oak Lawn man was charged with possession of cocaine after police arrested him in front of 4330 S. Kedzie at 2:23 p.m. Friday, April 26.
Eric Mendez, of the 4900 block of West Harnew Road, was “observed by police conducting hand-to-hand narcotics transactions,” a CPD spokesman said.
At a CAPS Beat 815/821 meeting last month, a CPD official said that officers recovered about 22 grams of cocaine with a street value of about $2,000. Further, the official said, Mendez concealed the drugs in a magnetized box stuck to the undercarriage of his vehicle.
According to public records, Mendez was arrested by CPD in 2015, also in Brighton Park (near 40th and Albany) and charged with possession of a controlled substance.
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Bust Vittum Park man on weapons violation
A 21-year-old Vittum Park man was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and possession of a laser sight after he was arrested during a traffic stop at 10:52 p.m. Wednesday, April 17 at 4759 S. Cicero.
Juan C. Mendoza, of the 4800 block of South Lorel, was arrested after officers reportedly found a handgun under the driver’s seat, as well as the laser sight.
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Charge man with stealing another person’s belongings
A 19-year-old Gage Park man was charged with theft after he allegedly stole belongings from another person in the 5300 block of South Kolin at 1:20 a.m. Friday, April 26.
Yahir Ayala, of the 5700 block of South Sacramento, was apprehended without incident. A CPD spokesman declined to offer any other details.
Claim woman stole merchandise from Jewel-Osco
A 66-year-old McKinley Park woman was charged with theft after she allegedly stole merchandise from the Jewel-Osco at 6107 S. Archer at noon, Friday, April 26.
Jeanette Bigos, of the 3300 block of South Archer, was apprehended without incident. A CPD spokesman declined to say exactly what was allegedly stolen.
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Bust Berwyn man on trespassing rap
A 45-year-old Berwyn man was charged with criminal trespass to a residence after he allegedly refused to leave a backyard in the 5100 block of South Nordica.
Ernesto Martinez, of the 3600 block of South Clarence, was apprehended in the 5200 block of South Nordica at 5 p.m. Monday, April 22.
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High-speed crash kills woman
A 31-year-old woman was killed after the SUV she was driving struck a concrete support beam at 79th and Kedzie at 7:02 a.m. Saturday, May 11. Police said the woman was driving “at a high rate of speed in a 2013 Chevrolet Captiva.” She was transported to Advocate Christ Medical Center, where she died from her injuries. A seven-month-old girl was in the vehicle and was also taken to Advocate Christ, where she was listed in good condition. Police declined to say whether the infant was the child of the driver.
Two shot at party
Two people were shot as they attended a party in a first-floor apartment in the 2600 block of West Lithuanian Plaza Court (69th Street) at 1:31 a.m. Saturday, May 11. Witnesses told police that the shooter was outside in a tan sedan. One victim, a 31-year-old man, was shot in the chest and was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center, where he was listed in serious condition. The other victim, a 36-year-old woman, was shot in the left leg. She was taken to Holy Cross Hospital, where she was listed in stable condition. No one is in custody.
Teen shot on 63rd Street sidewalk
A 15-year-old boy was shot in the left side as he stood on a sidewalk in the 3900 block of West 63rd Street at 7:46 p.m. Friday, May 10. The victim told police that a boy or man walked up to him and began firing a pistol. The victim was transported to Advocate Christ Medical Center, where he was listed in stable condition. Police said they are questioning a person of interest.
Man shot on sidewalk
A 23-year-old man was shot three times as he stood on a sidewalk in the 6700 block of South Oakley at 6:21 p.m. Friday, May 10. He was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center, where he was listed in serious condition. He was shot in the back and suffered graze wounds to his chest and right leg. Witnesses told police that the shooter got out of a dark-colored vehicle before he pulled a pistol and fired. No One is in custody.
Claim Clearing man touched minor inappropriately
A 74-year-old Clearing man was charged with three counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse after he was arrested in the 6000 block of South Massasoit at 11:50 a.m. Thursday, May 2. Celso S. Sias, of the same block, allegedly engaged in inappropriate touching of a family member under age 18, a CPD spokesman said.
Sias
Bust convicted felon on weapons charge
A 34-year-old Chicago Lawn man was charged with unlawful use of a weapon by a convicted felon after he was apprehended by police after a foot chase that ended in front of 6402 S. Western at 6:29 p.m. Wednesday, May 8. Kevin L. Gibson, of the 6400 block of South Richmond, was driving a vehicle nearby and was stopped by police for not stopping at a stop sign. Officers said they smelled burnt cannabis coming from the vehicle. They added that Gibson tried to drive off twice before he bolted from the vehicle and ran. In the scuffle that occurred after police caught him, an officer was injured; so a charge of aggravated battery was added. Police said that Gibson was carrying a handgun; and since he has multiple prior convictions relating to weapons and drugs, he was hit an “armed habitual criminal” charge. Bond was denied, and Gibson was set to appear in court at 111th and Ellis on Wednesday, May 15.
Gibson
Claim Clearing driver was using cellphone
A 40-year-old Clearing man was charged with using a cellphone while driving, as well as driving on a suspended license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle after his vehicle was curbed by police in front of 5701 S. Narragansett at 6:55 p.m. Saturday, May 4. Amin Al Rifai, of the 6300 block of West 63rd Place, was arrested without incident.
Charge man, again, with violating an order of protection
A 36-year-old West Lawn man was charged with criminal damage to property and violating an order of protection after he was arrested in the 6300 block of South Tripp at 3:15 p.m. Tuesday, April 30. Szymon Pinkowski, of the same block, allegedly damaged the rear door of a home on the block. According to public records, Pinkowski has been arrested three times by CPD in the last 15 months—once in 2018 for criminal damage to property and once two months ago for violating an order of protection. All three arrests occurred at the same address.
Pinkowski
Charge two with trespassing at Scottsdale home
A 19-year-old Chicago Lawn man and an 18-year-old Ashburn man were charged with criminal trespass to a residence after they allegedly were in a yard near 84th and Kedvale at about 5 p.m. Friday, May 3. Tyrie T. Bones, of the 6400 block of South Troy and Knowledge F. Harper, of the 3500 block of West 80th Place, were apprehended near the property where they allegedly trespassed.
Bones
Knowledge
Arrest motorist who allegedly caused crash
A 45-year-old Ashburn man was charged with reckless driving, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, leaving the scene of an accident and operating an uninsured motor vehcle after police arrested him in the 3500 block of West Columbus at 10:30 p.m. Thursday, May 2. Isidro Ramirez-Neri, of the 3900 block of West 82nd Place, allegedly fled after his vehicle hit another vehicle and caused a chain-reaction crash with a third vehicle, a CPD spokesman said.
Ramirez-Neri
Man charged with battery again
A 31-year-old Garfield Ridge man was charged with battery after he was accused of punching another person. Pawel Budz, of the 5800 block of South Archer, was arrested on the block where he lives at 10:10 p.m. Saturday, May 4. Police offered no other details about the alleged crime. According to public records, Budz has been arrested eight times by CPD since 2014 on such charges as battery, domestic battery and aggravated assault.
Budz
Clerk claims man swiped liquor
A 47-year-old Clearing man was charged with misdemeanor retail theft after he allegedly stole merchandise from Miska’s Liquors, 6410 W. 63rd St., at 9:05 p.m. Tuesday, April 30. Albert Santoyo, of the 6900 block of West 63rd Street, took two bottles of alcoholic beverages without paying for them, a clerk told police.
Santoyo
McKinley Park traffic stop leads to gun charge
A 23-year-old Gage Park described by police as a gun offender was charged with failing to register to register with authorities after a traffic stop at 39th and Honore at 11:30 p.m. Sunday, May 5. Victor M. Perez, of the 5700 block of South Campbell, was apprehended at the scene. According to public records, Perez has been arrested three times by CPD since 2014 on charges that included reckless conduct and criminal trespass to a residence.
Perez
Claim man would not leave mall
A 25-year-old man from downstate Carbondale was charged with criminal trespass to land after he allegedly refused to leave the grounds of Ford City Mall. Deonte L. Jones was apprehended at the scene. A charge of misdemeanor battery was added after Jones allegedly shoved a mall employee.
Jones
36-year-old man was in stable condition at Advocate Christ Medical Center after he was shot multiple times in the West Lawn neighborhood. Police said the victim was hit in the 7100 block of South Lawndale at 7:17 p.m. Saturday, May 4. The shooter fired from a passing vehicle. 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 and/or own a business in Beat 811 (see map) make plans to attend your next CAPS meeting, set for 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 21 at Garfield Ridge Presbyterian Church, 5550 South Merrimac. 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.
* * *
Felon arrested on weapons, drug rap
 |
| Victor Smekal |
A 30-year-old Clearing man was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon by a convicted felon after he was arrested on the street in the 5600 block of West 64th Street at 6:40 p.m. Friday, April 19.
Victor A. Smekal, of the 5800 block of West 63rd Street, was arrested by police executing a search warrant, a CPD spokesman said.
Officers reportedly found a handgun in his vehicle, as well as a quantity of cocaine on him.
According to public records, Smekal has been arrested five times by CPD since 2014 on such charges as reckless conduct, theft and possession of a controlled substance.
Claim man punched two others in disturbance
 |
| Marco Padron-Garcia |
A 32-year-old Scottsdale man was charged with two counts of aggravated battery after he allegedly punched two people, multiple times, during a domestic dispute.
Marco A. Padron-Garcia, of the 8600 block of South Kildare, was arrested in the 8500 block of South Kedvale at 7:47 a.m. Tuesday, April 23.
According to public records, Padron-Garcia has been arrested three times by CPD since 2017 on charges that included violating an order of protection and aggravated assault.
Say man punched other man in the mouth
 |
| Desmond Landrum |
A 27-year-old West Elsdon man was charged with domestic battery after he allegedly punched a 26-year-old man in the mouth during a quarrel in a home in the 5300 block of South Kenneth at 4:15 p.m. Saturday, April 27.
Desmond Landrum was arrested without incident.
According to public records, Landrum was arrested by CPD almost exactly four years earlier on the West Side and charged with criminal damage to property.
Bust man who allegedly threatened police
 |
| Zbigniew Stopka |
A 26-year-old Garfield Ridge man was charged with assault and battery after he allegedly threatened and shoved a police officer in the 5600 block of South Parkside at 7:40 p.m. Monday, April 29.
Zbigniew Stopka, of the 6000 block of West 55th Street, allegedly said, “I’m gonna f~ck your ass up” to an officer investigating a domestic disturbance call.
According to public records, Stopka has been arrested six times by CPD since 2014, on such charges as domestic battery, assault, theft and criminal trespass to land.
Arrest Dolton man on DUI charge
 |
| Christian Martinez |
A 35-year-old Dolton man was charged with aggravated DUI after a traffic stop by police in the 5400 block of South Nagle at 1:33 a.m. Tuesday, April 23.
Christian Federico Posadas Martinez, of the 1500 block of Berg Drive, also was charged with driving without a license and obstruction of traffic.
Bust Oak Lawn man on coke rap in Brighton Park
 |
| Eric Mendez |
A 37-year-old Oak Lawn man was charged with possession of cocaine after police arrested him in front of 4330 S. Kedzie at 2:23 p.m. Friday, April 26.
Eric Mendez, of the 4900 block of West Harnew Road, was “observed by police conducting hand-to-hand narcotics transactions,” a CPD spokesman said.
At a CAPS Beat 815/821 meeting last month, a CPD official said that officers recovered about 22 grams of cocaine with a street value of about $2,000. Further, the official said, Mendez concealed the drugs in a magnetized box stuck to the undercarriage of his vehicle.
According to public records, Mendez was arrested by CPD in 2015, also in Brighton Park (near 40th and Albany) and charged with possession of a controlled substance.
Bust Vittum Park man on weapons violation
 |
| Juan Mendoza |
A 21-year-old Vittum Park man was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and possession of a laser sight after he was arrested during a traffic stop at 10:52 p.m. Wednesday, April 17 at 4759 S. Cicero.
Juan C. Mendoza, of the 4800 block of South Lorel, was arrested after officers reportedly found a handgun under the driver’s seat, as well as the laser sight.
Charge man with stealing another person’s belongings
 |
| Yahir Ayala |
A 19-year-old Gage Park man was charged with theft after he allegedly stole belongings from another person in the 5300 block of South Kolin at 1:20 a.m. Friday, April 26.
Yahir Ayala, of the 5700 block of South Sacramento, was apprehended without incident. A CPD spokesman declined to offer any other details.
Claim woman stole merchandise from Jewel-Osco
 |
| Jeanette Bigos |
A 66-year-old McKinley Park woman was charged with theft after she allegedly stole merchandise from the Jewel-Osco at 6107 S. Archer at noon, Friday, April 26.
Jeanette Bigos, of the 3300 block of South Archer, was apprehended without incident. A CPD spokesman declined to say exactly what was allegedly stolen.
Bust Berwyn man on trespassing rap
 |
| Ernesto Martinez |
A 45-year-old Berwyn man was charged with criminal trespass to a residence after he allegedly refused to leave a backyard in the 5100 block of South Nordica.
Ernesto Martinez, of the 3600 block of South Clarence, was apprehended in the 5200 block of South Nordica at 5 p.m. Monday, April 22.
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