Berwyn Police Blotter
Friday, November 13, 2009
Too loud
November 5, 2009, 12:39 PM
Police impounded a Honda Civic because its stereo could be heard 150 feet away in the 6800 block of Cermak. The $500 ticket went to driver Jose Arreola, 20, of Cicero.
Salon robbed at gunpoint
November 4, 2009, 1:01 PM
A worker at Adam and Eve salon, 2144 Clarence, told police a woman robbed the business at gunpoint. The offender was described as a female black in sunglasses and dark clothing, about age 30, 5’7” and 150-160 lbs, who entered the salon, placed a large black gun to the victim’s chest and said “give me all your money”. The victim told police she removed $100 from the store cashbox and handed it to the robber, who fled the scene.
Robbery • Weapons-related • (0) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink
Domestic battery
November 5, 2009, 12:35 AM
A 40-year-old Riverside woman told police her boyfriend punched her in the eye. Police reported the eye appeared swollen and had a bloody gash. Anthony M. Gallichio, 44, of 3443 Clinton, was charged with domestic battery.
Assault, battery • Domestic • (0) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink
Friday, November 06, 2009
FEDERAL DRUG CHARGES PENDING IN SECOND DRUG RAID IN A WEEK
November 6, 2009
A cooperative effort between Berwyn police and federal Drug Enforcement Administration agents resulted in a drug raid on a Berwyn residence just days after an unusually large pot factory was uncovered in the same neighborhood. Officers descended on a residence in the 2500 block of Highland between 9 and 11 AM today and seized more than 80 pounds of marijuana, three ounces of cocaine, and a machine press of the type used to label marijuana bales before distribution. According to police, the pot was valued at betwen $50,000 and 60,000. The street value of the recovered cocaine was estimated to be between $50,000 and $75,000. Charges are still pending and the investigation is ongoing.
Drugs, alcohol, DUI • Suspicious people, objects or events • (0) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Pot-plant nursery yields millions in narcotics, guns
November 4, 2009
Marijuana plants seized in big Berwyn drug raid
Large, flourishing cannabis plants – 355 of them – were recovered by Berwyn Police and Cook County narcotics agents from three rooms in a house in the 2200 block of Ridgeland. The plants, when harvested and sold on the street, were estimated to be worth about $290,000. Also found in the house were cocaine worth $2.1 million; $61,000 worth of heroin, half a million dollars worth of MDMA(“Ecstasy”) and $660,000 worth of Vicodin. The setup was described by Berwyn tactical coordinator, Detective Roger Montoro, as a “pot factory”.
Charged with possession and possession with intent to deliver all of the above was 26-year-old Richard Medina, 2232 Ridgeland.
Berwyn police chief William Kushner called the pot-growing operation one of the most elaborate ever seen in Cook County. The multi-flat residence was equipped with many large portable air-conditioning units, fans and extra ductwork designed to control the climate for optimum growth and prevent the strong scent of fresh marijuana from being detected outside the house. Police recovered a calendar on which someone had marked precise cannabis plant-care instructions; dates were marked for fertilization and transplantation of individual plants.
Guns of various calibers—including 3 Uzis—were also recovered, including two with obliterated serial numbers. Police said they had been aware of the house since June and conducted the investigation the resulted in the bust over a period of about a week.
Deputy Berwyn police chief Joseph Drury credited the success of the operation to Berwyn’s newly reorganized tactical unit, also praising the assistance of Cook County narcotics officers whose deputy chief, Kevin Ruel, said provide “fresh faces” for similar undercover work all over the county. Drury noted now-expanded tactical unit had executed 12 search warrants and recovered 30 guns just since August.
Multi-tasking
According to Montoro, the search warrant for the bust was brought before a judge on the evening of November 2nd. That evening, Montoro, Kushner, Drury and several other police commanders held an all-Berwyn Neighborhood Watch meeting and gave a presentation on this type of investigation, even as they stayed in telephone touch with undercover officers and prepared to move in on the drug house.
Left to right: Det. Roger Montoro, Police Chief William Kushner, Berwyn Mayor Robert Lovero, Cook County Deputy Chief Kevin Ruel, and Berwyn Deputy Chief Joseph Drury, overlooking tables filled with illegal narcotics, weapons and drug packaging.
Drugs, alcohol, DUI • Suspicious people, objects or events • (0) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
October 27 - 28 incidents
Loud music + belligerent intoxication = slammer
October 27, 2009, 1:26 AM
A police officer heard loud music pounding from an apartment near Wesley and Vacin and shined his spotlight on the window. A man’s voice called out “Shut that f^&*ing light off, you mother f&*#er!” When the cop identified himself as a Berwyn police officer, the voice allegedly replied, “I don’t give a f*&@ who you are! Turn that f*&@in light off,” and “F*&@ you. I don’t care who you are, I’ll listen to my music when I want to.” A man —appearing highly intoxicated—exited the apartment and approached the officer in a hostile manner while yelling obscenities. After a struggle, the officer handcuffed Fernando R. Razzino and brought him to the police station. He was charged with assault and resisting arrest.
Cop thinks lady looks like a dude
October 27, 2009, 3:30PM
Ticketing cops ruffled a traffic violator’s feathers when they mistook her for a man. A driver began to argue with a community service officer who was ticketing near Jefferson Elementary school in 7000 block of 16th St. A responding police officer overheard the driver yelling and dropping F-bombs “in a low voice”, so --observing that the driver had “short combed back hair and a visible mustache”—told the ticketing cop “write this guy a local ordinance citation.” The driver, who turned out to be a 25 year old woman with two children in the back seat —yelled out the window, “I’m a girl!” She told the officers “I’m going to tell [your supervisors] that you called me a dyke!” The officers denied using that word. The driver, a resident of the 2600 block of Oak Park, yelled, “You’re lying!” and drove away.
Tools stolen from van
October 27, 2009, 9:31 AM
A portable air pump was stolen from a Chevy Astro van parked in the 2800 block of Kenilworth.
Rock thru window
October 28, 2009, 1:20 AM
Someone threw a rock through a window of a house in the 2100 block of Clarence.
Auto damaged, thieves unsuccessful
October 28, 2009, 5:46 AM
A woman discovered pry marks and a broken driver’s side lock on her silver 2008 Mistubishi in the 1600 block of Harvey. Nothing was missing.
Cars stolen
October 28, 2009, 7:03 AM
A black 1999 Toyota Camry was stolen from the 3800 block of Harvey overnight.
SUV shopper turns thief
October 28, 2009, 3:12 PM
A man posing as a potential buyer stole an SUV from a woman in the 6700 block of 16th St. After examining the gray 2007 GMC Envoy, he asked for the title to compare VIN numbers, then hopped into the drivers seat and sped off with the car. He later called the victim’s husband and threatened the family and their daughters if they contacted police. The thief was described as a male Hispanic, 28 years old, wearing a black baseball hat, gray and blue hoodie, red shirt and Bulls pants.
Car swiped from mechanic’s lot
October 28, 2009, 3:47 PM
A customer’s brown 1994 Pontiac Grand Am was stolen from the parking lot of E & E Auto in the 6200 block of Ogden.
Man reportedly sics dog on human
October 29, 2009, 2:15 AM
A man told police he was taking out the trash in the 1900 block of Grove when he heard his downstairs neighbor’s voice ordering his dog to “sic ‘em.” The white pitbull, named “Chucky,” bit him once in the leg above the ankle. Police brought the victim to MacNeal Hospital where he got seven stitches. Police records indicated Chucky had come to attention twice previously for biting someone else and for lack of registration.
Cars stolen
Pontiac stolen from car wash
October 28, 2009, 3:52 PM
A car being prepared for sale was stolen from the car wash in the 6200 block of Ogden. Employees told police two black teenage males were seen taking the car. The black 1999 Pontiac Grand Am belonged to Midway Auto Sales on Cicero Ave.
8:55 PM
An older white cargo van was stolen from the 6300 block of 26th St. The owner told police it has a large American flag decal in the back window.
Indecent Exposure
October 28, 2009, 7:30 AM
A woman stepped out of her house in the 1500 block of Highland and observed a man seated on the porch across the street with his pants down, masturbating. The man called to her; she called police. The offender was described as a male Hispanic, 25 years old with dark complexion, wearing blue jeans, a blue hoodie, a blue cap and gym shoes.
4:37 PM
A woman called police after she saw a man masturbating while standing in the window in the 1400 block of Harvey.
Prostitution sting
October 28, 2009, 7:10 PM
Rudolfo Molina, 23, of Chicago, was taken into custody in the 6500 block of Ogden Ave. for allegedly soliciting a prostitute. He was charged under the Cook County Public Morals Nuisance Ordinance. His 2004 Buick Rendezvous was impounded.
-J. LeHane
Disorderly conduct • Graffiti / vandalism / criminal damage • Noise violations • Suspicious people, objects or events • Theft • Traffic stops / accidents • (0) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink
Drunken brawl spills out of house, attracts neighbors’ shocked attention
October 26, 2009, 10:27 PM
Callers to 911 reported hearing a woman scream for help at 2633 Clarence. As officers approached, dispatchers alerted them that the disturbance had moved outside and men were now brawling in the street. Police noticed seven or eight people in front of the house; two men saw police, attempted to enter 2633 and, according to the report, “met resistance with the door”. Officers ordered all parties to lie on the ground, but the men—all of whom reportedly reeked of alcohol—elected not to comply. Instead, they used abusive language and walked around with clenched fists. Police said two men pushed them rather than comply with instructions; one had to be Tasered to gain his compliance.
A woman in the house told police the incident started when her son—one of the brawlers—punched her during an argument. The woman refused to prosecute and was uncooperative with police. During the ride to the police station, the son—Michael W. Neuman, 19—continuously banged his head against the window and prisoner-divider of squad car #117. He was also found to have an outstanding warrant out of Stickney, for which he was processed.
Neuman was charged with resisting an officer, battery and disorderly conduct, as was William J. Pusateri Jr, 21, of 10845 south Talman, Chicago. Terry Stephens, 18, was charged with disorderly conduct. Candi Neuman, 51, was charged with public intoxication, use of abusive language toward officer, and use of the premises to disturb the peace.
Police reported that, while in the Berwyn lockup, Pusateri yelled, banged on the cell window and attempted to flood his cel. When told to stop, he allegedly yelled “F@!* YOU!” and spit on the window.
Assault, battery • Fight/brawl/riot • Suspicious people, objects or events • (0) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink
Monday, November 02, 2009
Broken windows and flattened tires
October 24, 2009, 3:56 Am
Someone somehow broke a second-floor window of a residence in the 1300 block of East.
5:20 AM
A man in the 1500 block of Grove told police he was asleep on the sofa when someone threw three bricks through his living room and dining room windows.
5:39 AM
In the same block, a Ford minivan was found with two shattered windows.
7:17 AM
A large rock was tossed through a window of a Ford van in the 1300 block of Scoville.
1:20 PM
Someone flattened all four tires on a Camry in the 3500 block of Kenilworth.
11:54 PM
In the 1600 block of Wesley, a man reported that someone threw an object that broke his living room window; the culprit then fled to a grey or silver Pontiac.
Graffiti / vandalism / criminal damage • (0) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink
DUI hit and run arrest
October 24, 2009, 2:54 AM
Police found four damaged cars on the street and one up on the sidealk in the 3800 block of Cuyler. The one on the sidewalk had something extra: another car’s front bumper and license plate imbedded in its side, left by a 2003 Impala. Police located the owner, who told them her son, the car’s driver, had come to her and informed her that two guys had smashed her car and taken off, and that he had followed the culprits but lost them. Police spoke to driver James D. Jackowiec, 18, of 3526 Cuyler, noting in the report that he smelled of alcohol. He was charged with failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, improper lane use, leaving the scene and driving under the influence.
Drugs, alcohol, DUI • Traffic stops / accidents • (0) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink
Car stolen during floor hockey
October 23, 2009, 9:56 PM
A Lombard man told police he was playing floor hockey at a church in the 1400 block of Euclid when someone stole his wallet, cell phone and car keys. After the victim noticed the items were gone, he went outside and discovered his Saturn Vue was also missing.
Woman accused of grocery store attack
october 23, 2009, 12:26 PM
A 42-year-old woman shopping at Cinco Hermanos grocery, 6500 16th, told police a younger woman came up to her and started punching her in the face, head and neck. The victim was scratched and bleeding. Police arrested Erika A. Avila, 27, of 1212 south 51st ave, Cicero, for battery.
Low-class guests
October 23, 2009, 10:51 AM
A man in the 1900 block of Grove told police he gave a dinner party during which some of his gold jewelry vanished. Reported stolen were a gold ring valued at $400; a a $400 gold bracelet; a two-carat diamond ring valued at $1,200; a pair of gold and diamond earrings valued at $1,150; and a class ring worth $500.
Monday, October 26, 2009
“Full service” girls
October 22, 2009, 8:13 PM
Police became aware of an ad in Craigslist’s “Adult Services” section, labeled “Blonde_Sugar_Baby_WFM(West Burbs)”; the ad gave the contact name “S.p.r.e.e.”, a telephone number, and featured an image of a scantily clad white female. Police called the number. A woman answered, identifying herself as “S.p.r.e.e.” She said “yes” when asked whether she “did Berwyn”. Police arranged with the woman to met at 7:30 PM at a Berwyn address. The woman reportedly stated she offered “full service” and charged $250 for one hour; she also offered to bring a “friend” along for an additional $250. Two undercover officers met the women at a local address, then escorted them up to the apartment. After the money changed hands and the “services” were agreed upon, the women began to undress and were arrested.
Ashley R. Carson, 27, of Mundelein, and Nicollete A. Sylvia, 24, of Boston, MA, were each charged with prostitution. Ms. Sylvia was also processed on a Cook County prostitution warrant.
Miscellaneous • Suspicious people, objects or events • (0) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink
School bus stop sign goes unheeded
October 20, 2009, 8:14 Am
An officer near Clinton and 35th saw a white Ford Explorer pass a schoolbus, which was unloading children and had its red lights on and its stop sign activated. Driver Lorena Chavez, 24, of 3213 Highland, already had a suspended license, so the SUV was impounded. She was also cited for passing a schoolbus whose stop indictors were flashing.
Traffic stops / accidents • (0) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink
Really poor aim
October 19, 2009, 8:36 PM
Callers reported hearing shots fired in the 6400 block of 16th, upon which, they said, multiple male teens fled in different directions. Witnesses told officers two groups of male Hispanic teens fought on the block. Police recovered seven shell casings. The victim, a 19-year-old male with a streetgang name of “Casper”, was later located at Loyola medical center with a gunshot wound that traveled in one side of his left leg and out the other. The victim told police he and three companions were driving in Cicero around 6 PM when they pulled in front of a house on 59th* “near Paisan’s” and asked the males they encountered there whether they “gangbang”. The victim said the subjects responded to the inquiry by throwing a bottle at the car and yelling the slogan of a well-known street gang. Two hours later, while westbound on 16th, the victim and his companions spotted the same teens they had seen earlier, so they stopped to confront them. A fight began, during which one teen pulled out a gun and fired six to seven shots, only one of which struck the victim. The shooter was described as male Hispanic with shoulder-length hair, a black hoodie, and a gold baseball cap bearing New York Yankees symbols.
Gang activity • Weapons-related • (0) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink