Berwyn Police Blotter
Weapons-related
Monday, August 03, 2009
Knife & noise
July 26, 2009, 3:10 AM
An officer heard a very loud red Pontiac Vibe, then saw the car blow the stop sign at 15th and Ridgeland, turn south onto Ridgeland without bothering to signal, and cross the center line on Ridgeland. Next, the officer noticed the Vibe’s driver began to yell at a male pedestrian. The driver reportedly yelled, “F@*% y()@, you ain’t sh!t, come on m@+#*f@*#@r, what you got?” The officer made the Vibe pull over, but when it did, the driver reportedly rapidly swung open the door, jumped out and threw an object inside the car before approaching the officer and being told to hold it right there.
According to the report, driver Rodrigo Lopez, 25, of 1907 Clarence, yelled “what, I didn’t do anything, what did I do?” and was described as “very argumentative”, stating “F^@$ that n!%%@& (referring to the man at whom he had been yelling earlier). When asked to produce his license and proof of insurance, Lopez reportedly stated he didn’t have to. He was arrested.
Once inside the squad car, police said, Lopez hit the window with his shoulder in an apparent attempt to break the glass. Police checked inside the Vibe to see what Lopez threw inside it; a folding knife with a 4.5 inch blade was found. Asked why he had the knife, Lopez reportedly replied, “Don’t worry, it wasn’t going to be for you”. Lopez was charged with a $500 noise violation, driving unlicensed and uninsured, and unauthorized use of a weapon. The car was impounded for the noise violation.
Noise violations • Traffic stops / accidents • Weapons-related • (2) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Female armed robber gets away with $1,500
July 24, 2009, 11:28 AM
A Cicero woman, owner of a business in the 6300 block of Cermak, called police to report she was robbed by a woman with a gun. The victim said a woman came in and asked to see a purse from a locked case; she examined the item and left the store. Five minutes later, the woman returned and asked to the see the purse again. When the victim complied, the woman produced a black handgun from a tan bag, pointed it at the victim and said “Gimme your money!” as she pushed the victim behind the counter. Fearful of the gun, the victim handed the robber $1,500. The victim described the robber as a female black or Hispanic, 5’5”, medium build, wearing blue jeans, a black shirt, black baseball cap and sunglasses.
Robbery • Suspicious people, objects or events • Weapons-related • (0) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink
Shots fired in gang incident
July 23, 2009, 11:38 PM
Multiple callers reported “shots fired” in the 2100 block of Harvey. Witnesses saw a blue Dodge Durango with Nebraska plates circling the area. Its occupants yelled gang slogans, then one man exited the SUV and ran to a house on the west side of the street. The man was described as bald and carrying a .45 or 9MM handgun, was heard to yell the gang slogan as well as “I got you m@O(#)#f@)@)!”, then fired 5-7 shots at someone across the street before fleeing on foot through yards. Police found six .45 calibre casings; a bullet hole was seen in the door of a vehicle on the block, as well as on a for sale sign.
The object of the shooting and shouting, an admitted member of a well-known street gang, told police he knew the offender by the street name “Sleepy”; Cicero and Berwyn police were both familiar with the suspect through previous contacts. The investigation continues.
Gang activity • Suspicious people, objects or events • Weapons-related • (3) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Showoffs, loud bangs, dog incident and an armed robbery
Showoffs
July 9, 2009, 12:55 AM
A man driving a green Mustang reportedly told police he was “impressing his friends” when he pealed out of a parking spot at East and Vacin with screeching tires. Police were unimpressed when they found out Jose Ramirez, 26, of Cicero had no driver’s license or insurance and the Mustang had expired registration. He was charged with those three violations in addition to squealing the tires.
9:20 PM
A man on a blue and white Suzuki motorcycle was stopped for “popping a wheelie” on Cermak Ave. at Scoville. Jose A Garcia, 24, of the 1800 block of Clarence was charged with reckless driving and driving without a motorcycle classification on his license. He told police the bike belonged to his brother.
Noise Impound
July 9, 2009, 1:28 AM
Police pulled over the 2003 silver Cadillac of Bandomo N. Giacomo, 21, of Salina, Kansas at Wenonah and Cermak for excessive stereo volume. Giacomo was fined $500 and the car was impounded.
Dog gets hit, boyfriend chases truck, car hits tree, dog bites owner
July 9, 2009, 5:16 PM
A man knocked out a stop sign and a tree in the 1500 block of Euclid after chasing a fleeing black truck that hit his girlfriend’s dog. Edgar Gomez, 24, of the 3500 block of Scoville, lost control of his 2002 gold Ford Explorer and skidded 75 feet up onto the curb. He was charged with failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, making an improper turn, failure to leave information after striking property, no driver’s license on his person and damage to city property. The injured and stressed-out dog bit its owner’s hand as she tended to its wounds.
Former business associates may have held grudges
July 9, 2009, 5:00 PM
A woman told police she suspected a former business associate was responsible for slashing the passenger side tires of her 2006 silver Toyota Corolla in the 6400 block of Cermak.
8:08 PM
A man told police that a softball-sized piece of asphalt had been hurled through the passenger side window of his 2001 silver Chevy Silverado. His wallet and keys were left untouched in the vehicle in the 2600 block of Ridgeland. He speculated that the incident was related to a verbal argument with a former business associate.
Short & hefty armed robbers hit salon
July 9, 2009, 6:59 PM
A female hair stylist working alone in a salon in the 6200 block of Roosevelt Rd. was robbed at gunpoint by two men who entered and asked for a haircut. One man showed her a blue steel handgun and said, “This is a robbery. Don’t scream, and give us the money.” The other man did not display a gun, but pointed at his waistband. The men took $400 from her purse and emptied the cash register of $150. They searched the pockets of her apron and found nothing. Then they told her to turn away and left through the front door in an unknown direction. The two were described as male Hispanics around 30 years old, 5’5” and heavy-set. They were wearing dark blue long-sleeve sweatshirts with the collars pulled up over their mouths and sweatpants. They were also wearing white baseball caps, sunglasses and work gloves.
Thefts
July 9, 2009, 9:34 AM
Six copper solar lawn lamps were stolen from a yard in the 2400 block of Kenilworth.
4:41 PM
Two hubcaps and the front half of a bumper grille were stolen from a Volkswagon Jetta in the 1800 block of Oak Park Ave.
Beauty-accessory kits pilfered
July 9, 2009
A loss-prevention supervisor at Marshalls in the 7100 block of Cermak allegedly observed a woman opening beauty-accessory kits, removing items and placing them on her person. The woman paid for other items at the cash register, then left the store, at which point she was apprehended by security. Beatriz Martinez, 43, of Cicero was charged with retail theft. The items were valued at $47.
Loud bangs in the night
July 9, 2009, 11:31 PM
Officers responded to a report of shots fired in the 3100 block of Oak Park, but neighbors interviewed in the investigation thought the banging sounds were more likely fireworks.
--J. LeHane
Dogs, dog attacks • Graffiti / vandalism / criminal damage • Noise violations • Robbery • Suspicious people, objects or events • Theft • Weapons-related • (0) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink
Gun drawn in attempted home invasion
July 5, 2009, 12:11 PM
A man in the 1800 block of Grove told police two strangers kicked open his apartment door and one pointed what appeared to be a .32 pistol at him. The victim said both men fled immediately; police found shoe prints on the upper part of the victim’s front door. The door was broken in the incident.
The victim described the offenders as two unknown male blacks. The gunman, he said, was in his 20s, 5’7” to 5’8” and 130-140 lbs, wearing a white T-shirt and orange/yellow/white plaid shorts.
Robbery • Suspicious people, objects or events • Weapons-related • (0) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink
Friday, June 26, 2009
Armed robbers surprise headphone-listening pedestrian
June 18, 2009, 11:20 PM
A 19-year-old Cicero man told police he was walking east on 13th, listening to headphones, when two men approached him at Highland. The first man pointed a chrome revolver at his chest while the second went through his pockets. The robbers stole his wallet, VISA card, state ID and cell phone. The victim described the robbers as male blacks, 5’8” to 5’10”; one man was thin and wore a black long-sleeved shirt and dark pants. The other was of medium build, wearing a white long-sleeved shirt, dark pants and white gym shoes.
Robbery • Weapons-related • (0) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink
Monday, June 22, 2009
Armed burglar, imaginary broken bones and more
Gun threat persuades car owner to change mind
June 16, 2009, 5:45 PM
A man in the 2500 block of Harvey recognized the sound of the car alarm from his white 1992 Honda Civic. Looking out his basement window, he saw a man stealing his car stereo. The owner chased the thief, who opened the door of a parked white Pontiac Grand Am and was heard telling the driver, “Give me the gun.” At this point, the owner of the stereo called to the offender, “Go ahead, you can keep the radio.” The Pontiac sped down an alley, the driver’s face obscured by tinted windows. Taken was a grey Pioneer stereo, worth $200. The victim described the would-be thief as a male Hispanic, about 5’7” with a white and blue hat, grey shirt and jeans.
Got no reason, what the heck? C-I-L-L ...
June 16, 2009, 7:11 PM
Police responded to a conflict in the 6800 block of Windsor. The building manager, age 44, said he was threatened by a tenant who implied he had a gun. According to the manager, tenant Allal Lemjidi, 54, pushed his way into the apartment and accused him of stealing $100. The manager denied taking the money, at which point Lemjidi, he said, became “extremely angry and hostile” and told him, “I’m gonna shoot you in your face” while pointing at a bulge in the waistband of (Lemjidi’s) jeans. When police arrived, Lemjidi opened his apartment door, but refused a police order to show his hands. When asked to step out of the apartment, he attempted to avoid arrest by stepping back inside the apartment. Police grabbed the suspect and a brief struggle occurred. Lemjidi, according to the report, appeared to be highly intoxicated. When he agreed to allow the apartment to be searched, police found numerous empty beer cans and wine bottles. No weapon was recovered. He told police he had been drinking since 3 AM. Lemjidi was charged with assault and resisting arrest. After complaining of a broken back, broken shoulder and a broken left arm, Lemjidi was taken to the hospital, where he was examined, found undamaged, and released. While handcuffed to a chair, Lemjidi was seen waving his left (the one he said was broken) arm and demanding to call a lawyer. Lemjidi finally fell asleep in the chair with his head between his legs.
Stolen Vehicles
June 16, 2009, 6:05 AM
A woman on the 6200 block of 26th St. reported that she looked out her window and noticed her white 1988 Cadillac was missing. Police observed a small amount of glass on the sidewalk as if from a broken vent window.
8:15 AM
A Maywood woman declined to return the black 2009 Toyota Matrix she rented in May from Enterprise Rent-A-Car on Ogden, despite phone calls and warnings that it would be reported stolen. When she stopped returning phone calls, the manager filed a report with police.
Preschooler loose in speeding car
June 16, 2009, 11:17 AM
An officer clocked a 2001 Chevy Impala speeding down Ogden at 46 miles per hour in a 30 MPH zone. The officer observed children in the back seat, including a four-year-old who was not in a booster seat. The driver, a 24-year-old woman from Chicago, had no driver’s license and was charged with no valid driver’s license, speeding and failure to correctly secure a child. The driver’s mother, 39, took temporary custody of the children.
Van impounded
1:18 PM
A white Chevy van driving west on Ogden doing 41 miles per hour in a 30 MPH zone caught the attention of an officer, who pulled it over. Gilberto Ruiz, 36, of Cicero, was found to be sans license, and was charged with driving while license suspended, no valid driver’s license, and speeding. The Astro was impounded.
Dog @ large
June 16, 2009, 12:46
Police captured a male tan and white Lab mix, found running free on the 3000 block of Wisconsin. The dog was transported to A-American veterinary hospital for safekeeping.
Graffiti
June 16, 2009, 4PM
White paint was sprayed on the front door of a residence on the 6700 block of Cermak.
-J. LeHane
Dogs, dog attacks • Gang activity • Graffiti / vandalism / criminal damage • Suspicious people, objects or events • Traffic stops / accidents • Weapons-related • (0) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink
Friday, June 19, 2009
Microwave vs gun
June 13, 2009, 6:25 AM
A man who stores work equipment in the 1800 block of Euclid told police he was accosted while coming out of the garage into the alley. Two men confronted him; one pointed a black pistol at him and pulled the trigger, which resulted only in a clicking sound. The victim picked up a microwave oven and attempted to throw it at the offender, who yelled “DON’T DO THAT!” Both offenders then fled on foot and were last seen running southbound on Wesley. The victim described the assailants as male blacks; the gun-wielding offender, he said, wore a black hoodie and blue jeans, was 6 ft. tall, thin and in his 20s. The second man, also 6 ft., thin and in his 20s, wore blue jeans and a blue “mechanic’s jacket”.
Assault, battery • Weapons-related • (0) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink
Monday, June 15, 2009
Armed robbers scope out victim
June 10, 2009, 7:50 PM
A 20-year-old Chicago man told police he was walking southbound in the 2100 block of Grove when two men drove by in a green pickup truck. The victim said they stared at him, slowed down and pulled up beside him. One man got out, pointed a black full-size pistol at the victim, and robbed him of his wallet. The victim described the offenders as male Hispanics; the one with the gun, he said, was in his late 20s, wearing a dark shirt and with “spiked” black hair; he addressed the victim in Spanish.
Robbery • Suspicious people, objects or events • Weapons-related • (0) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Armed robbers yelled gang slogans
June 8, 2009, 10:13 PM
Three men in dark bandannas, using a semiautomatic pistol, reportedly robbed two men in a back yard in the 2200 block of Cuyler, east side. Both victims were injured; one was hit in the face with a metallic object, possibly the gun; the other was knocked unconscious.
A witness saw a “heavy-set male white” in his late teens or early 20s. Another witness said an offender pointed a gun at her face and told her to “shut the f^@% up and get back in the house”.
The robbers were described as wearing black bandannas, black hoodies and dark pants.
Gang activity • Suspicious people, objects or events • Weapons-related • (1) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Shot in the back
June 5, 2009, 12:32 PM
A 55-year-old Cicero man told police that, 24 hours earlier, he was walking in the 3600 block of Highland, someone shot him the back with a BB gun.
Suspicious people, objects or events • Weapons-related • (0) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink
“Man with a rifle” at 15th and Cuyler
June 3, 2009, 9:19 PM
Six officers were dispatched to 15th and Cuyler after a caller reported a man with a rifle; the caller said the man entered a white Ford Explorer and provided the license plate number. Police made a felony stop on the SUV, which contained two males.
One of the subjects told police the guy with the rifle left before police arrived. Police transported the pair to the missing man’s residence in the 1400 block of Lombard, where they arrested Mike D. Waskowski, 17. Waskowski reportedly stated he and the other two had all been shooting at stop signs with an air rifle. Police recovered three “Airsoft” rifles from his bedroom.
Waskowski was charged with reckless conduct, as were his companions, Chris Forstin, 18, of Stickney, and Jaime A. Hernandez, 18, of the 3700 block of Ridgeland.
Suspicious people, objects or events • Weapons-related • (0) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink
Friday, June 05, 2009
Butcher knife, metal pipe seen in hands of suspicious people on street
May 30, 209, 6:55 AM
A caller told police a man and a woman were on the southeast corner of Cermak and Highland, and had in their possession a butcher knife and a metal pipe. As police approached the pair, the male tried to discreetly discard a black-handled butcher knife. Gabriel Varas, 18, of the 6600 block of 31st, was arrested. The female—17-year-old Natalie N. Rodriguez of the 1900 block of Harvey—was reportedly attempting to hide an 18” long metal pipe by sitting on it; she, too, was arrested.
On the opposite (southwest) corner, police spoke to two more people: a 19-year-old man and a 17-year-old woman, both from the 2200 block of Highland. The man, a self-admitted member of a locally-active street gang, told police that he, the other man and the two women were walking on Cermak when confronted by a carload of members of a well-known street gang. He claimed the carful of gangbangers threatened his physical well-being and that of his friends. In an effort to assure their safety, he told police, they hurried back to his residence, where the females went in to fetch the pipe and the knife.
Vargas was charged with unlawful use of a weapon. Rodriguez was charged with reckless conduct, as was the second female, 17-year-old Briana Guerrero.
Gang activity • Suspicious people, objects or events • Weapons-related • (0) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink
Gun aimed at train
May 29, 2009, 7:51 PM
Callers reported a man with a gun at Oak Park and Stanley. Police found a man sitting on the southeast corner, holding a long rifle. They also saw him cock it and point it at a passing train. Police ordered the man to drop the gun and lie on the ground. Vincent C. Pitisci, 56, of the 3400 block of Oak Park, appeared to police to be highly intoxicated.
The rifle turned out to be a Daisy brand BB gun, fully loaded with BBs. Pitisci was charged with reckless conduct.
Weapons-related • (1) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Police recover loaded gun from man in bar
May 16, 2009, 2:23 AM
Police were sent to a bar in the 6500 block of 16th on reports of a man outside the place with a gun, described as short, bald and in a blue and white shirt. Police entered the bar and saw a man matching that description, seated at a table. When the man saw police, he tried to walk away. An officer ordered him to stop, at which the subject put his hands to his waistband and produced a handgun, so the officer drew his service weapon. The offender then turned a corner and entered a room in which there was dancing. Police took the man to the floor and disarmed him. He reportedly told them he was a member of a gang.
The gun recovered by police was a loaded .25 caliber Bryco semiautomatic, with no record of its serial number. Fingerprints identified the man as Hector M. Gomez, 30, of the 1500 block of 61st Ave, Cicero. Gomez had no FOID card and was wanted for attempted murder by Cicero police.
The bar in which the gun incident occurred, police noted, is 164 feet and 8 inches from a school.
The assistant state’s attorney approved felony charges, including aggravated unlawful use of a weapon in a bar; aggravated unlawful use of a loaded weapon, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon by a gang member, and possession of a gun without a firearm owner’s ID card.
Assault, battery • Weapons-related • (0) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink