New Police Commander in 8th District Says Beat Integrity is His Top Priority

Pontecore praises neighborhood watches, CAPS fans

By Joan Hadac

Editor & Publisher

Southwest Chicago Post

Police will do all they can to fight crime in the Chicago Lawn (8^th) District, and citizens can

enhance their effectiveness by joining their local neighborhood watch group and participating in CAPS meetings, new Commander Ronald Pontecore Jr. said late last week.

A day after he took the reins as commander, Pontecore sat down to talk about his plans.

“I love them,” the new commander said of neighborhood watch groups and block clubs as he recalled successes they contributed to in another district where citizens used such tactics as positive loitering to roust a drug dealing operation in a house.

“Criminals expect the police to come out and do our jobs,” he said. “What they often don’t expect is when the community comes at them from the other end, but working in concert with the police. That really throws criminals for a loop.

“When that happens, we typically have more success,” he continued. “Criminals need to know that people in a neighborhood won’t put up with their behavior. They need to know that ‘if I go hang on this corner, not only will the person at this house call [911], but this one is, this one is and this one is.’”

In what will doubtless be music to the ears of Garfield Ridge and Clearing residents, Pontecore said he will “have the same commitment” to their neighborhoods as did Commander John Kupczyk, a highly respected and admired police official who died suddenly in January 2012.

“I understand that we have our issues on the east end of the district, but we cannot forget what happens on the west end, as well,” he said as he discussed “beat integrity,” a Kupczyk tactic designed to ensure that beat cars in the district’s west end stay in their beats and are not redeployed to east-end hot spots.

“Beat integrity will be my number one priority,” Pontecore said. “Beat cars will stay on their beats, and they will be responsible for their beats.”

Pontecore also praised citizens who attend monthly CAPS beat meetings, “especially those who attend regularly. They may not always have a problem to bring up, but just by being there, they show that they have an interest in their neighborhood—and they know the value of persistence in fighting crime.”

The new commander described himself as a leader who “leads from the front” and said he is committed to being visible at CAPS meetings and other community events. “I want to be out there and hear for myself what people are thinking,” he said. He has worked in the district for about the last six months, in a top position helping lead while his predecessor was on medical leave.

He also plans to make sure officers in the district “make more contact with the community. I want to see my officers out of their vehicles. I want to see foot patrols at least once or twice during their tours of duty—and when weather permits, I want to put the bicycles back out again.”

In what will most likely be cheered by the Archer Heights Civic Association and other groups battling “quality of life” crimes like prostitution and traffic violations, Pontecore said he will work to use CPD resources—typically specialized units that operate citywide—to confront the so-called lesser crimes.

In recent months, Archer Heights residents and others complaining about prostitution near 49th and Cicero and other concerns have essentially been told by police that CPD’s focus on “index” crimes like homicide, battery, robbery and sexual assault means that resources are mostly unavailable to fight other crimes.

Background

Pontecore grew up in a family-owned six flat on 38^th Place in Brighton Park. He was the fourth generation in his family to enroll at the old St. Joseph and St. Anne School. When the family moved to 57^th and Troy in 1976, Pontecore transferred to St. Gall School. He graduated in 1982.

He went on to Brother Rice High School, where he was a linebacker for the Crusaders. As a senior, his team upset powerhouses St. Laurence and St. Rita and went all the way to the IHSA championship game before falling to East St. Louis.

He then earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology (with a minor in business) from DePaul University. He later worked as an assistant mill buyer with Ryerson Steel.

Years later, prodded by a friend who wanted to be a police officer, he took the police exam.

“I think in my family, the expectation always was that I’d be a fireman,” he said, noting that his father is a retired CFD captain and that other men in the family have served as firefighters.

“Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing but respect for firemen—I mean, those guys are crazy, running into burning buildings when the rest of us are running out,” he said with a smile. “But [a career as a policeman] turned out to be my path.”

Pontecore became a policeman in 1991 and met his future wife, today a CPD detective, in the police academy. They live on the Northwest Side and have three adult children, including two in college.

He also holds a master's degree in criminal justice from Lewis University.

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West Lawn Man Charged With Sexual Assault of Boy Near Suburban Pool

Just released to the news media at 4:38 p.m. Thursday, September 8 by the Cook County Sheriff's Office:

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A 46-year-old West Lawn man has been charged in connection with a reported sexual assault of a 16-year-old boy that occurred at the Cermak Woods Forest Preserve, Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart announced today.

Cook County Forest Preserve Police notified Sheriff’s Police detectives on Sept. 5, after receiving a report of an alleged assault that occurred the night before near the pool at the Cermak Woods, located in the 7600 block of West Ogden Avenue in Lyons.

According to the Sheriff’s Police investigation, the victim, a 16-year-old boy, was approached by a man sometime between 9 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. on Sept. 4. According to the report, the man told the teen he was armed, forced him to drink alcohol and then sexually assaulted him. The victim did not know the offender.

Sheriff’s Police Detectives identified the man as Armando

Armando Robles

Robles, of the 6400 block of South Hamlin in Chicago.

On Sept. 7, Robles was charged with one count of criminal sexual assault/force and one count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

Robles’ bond was set at $500,000 during a hearing today at the Bridgeview Courthouse.

Sheriff Dart reminds the public that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by the government in a court of law.

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Hale School's 1976 Grads Plan Reunion

Members of the Class of 1976 of Nathan Hale Elementary

School are invited to a reunion set for 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, October 1 at Joe's Saloon, 9220 W. 47th Street, Brookfield.

Advance tickets are $37 per person and may be purchased by sending an email to Joanne Srbeny Kuzmicki at alohajo@ameritech.net or Janice Dwyer Wiggins at janicewiggins@comcast.net. Tickets at the door will be priced slightly higher. Responses are requested by September 24.

Ticket price covers pizza, salad, dessert, an open bar and entertainment.

Class of 1976 alumni are encouraged to join the group's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1526551337636936/.

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St. Joe's Student Takes 2nd Place in Statewide American Legion Contest

Update:

Diego Yanez went downstate to Springfield to compete statewide, and his essay won second place in the entire state!

Congratulations, Diego!

In the photo below, he stands with St. Joseph School Assistant Principal Jason Porod, who noted that the school is still accepting students for the 2016-17 school year. For more than a century, St. Joe's has provided a Catholic elementary education to boys and girls in Summit, Garfield Ridge and other city neighborhoods and suburban communities. For more information and a tour with Principal Lawrence Manetti, call (708) 458-2927.

Original Southwest Chicago Post story (below) from May 1, 2016.

St. Joseph Student Wins 1st Place in American Legion Americanism Contest

By Joan Hadac
Editor and Publisher
Southwest Chicago Post

Congratulations to Diego Yanez, a seventh grader at St.

Diego Yanez

 Joseph School, for earning a first-place award in the American Legion's "Americanism" essay contest.

This year’s question was “Should U.S. senators and representatives have term limits?”  Diego wrote that there should be term limits.

Diego was invited to read his essay at the Robert E. Coulter Jr. Post 1941 in La Grange. His essay won over essays from students in junior high school and high school.

Congratulations, Diego!

It is our privilege to share his essay below:


By Diego Yanez

Our country is based off of change. Ever since the time of our Founding Fathers, we have always strived to change for the better. So why not apply this principle to Congress?

As senators and representatives, it their job to make sure our government knows the needs of its people. If we have senators or representatives who are not very dedicated, our country will not prosper. Therefore, I propose that senators and representatives have term limits.

First of all, U.S. senators and representatives who have been running for many terms are more likely to overlook new problems brought up by changing times, whereas new candidates who have grown up in this time can propose innovations that will better help the people. They can also revolutionize old ideas to better suit our new generation.

Some senators and representatives are not as prompt in getting the citizens what they need. According to cato.org, “Americans believe that career legislators and professional politicians have created a gaping chasm between themselves and their government.” By having term limits, it would obligate senators and representatives to be more attentive to the citizens.

Another reason is that if a senator or a representative is constantly re-elected, they lose their sense of competition. They know that there is a large possibility they will be elected again, so they do not work as hard to be able to maintain the vote of the people. When this happens, less work gets done, and things stay the same.

If new senators and representatives get elected, they will work continuously to gain the confidence of the voters. New candidates running for the same position will strive to do better than the previous officials. This competition would help to make sure senators and representatives do not lose focus and remain motivated.

My final reason is that term limits would help regulate government administration. By having new officials voted in, it would prevent long-term senators and representatives from feeling entitled and more powerful in their position. By eliminating this perception of false authority, it would help our government function mire efficiently. Progress will start to show, attracting more voters and possibly future candidates. This would help maintain the integrity of our senators and representatives. Frequent changes of officials in office will help return the confidence of the citizens in their government.

To conclude, term limits can bring new perspectives to Congress. By having different views of the same matter, it can help work out what will benefit the citizens. These diverse views can help our government undergo evolutionary change. Term limits will help bring in new senators and representatives who are more enthusiastic and ready to make a difference for our nation. By eliminating the “business as usual” attitude, our government can fully unite and lead our country to greatness.

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Crime News Update

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 Sector 1. 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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Burbank man shot, killed in West Lawn chase
A 24-year-old Burbank man said by police to be a gang member was shot in the chest and

Hani Yousef

killed during an exchange of gunfire in the West Lawn neighborhood at 9:55 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31. Hani Yousef, of the 8200 block of South Luna, was transported via CFD ambulance to Holy Cross Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 10:19 p.m. Witnesses told police that Yousef was a passenger in a black Honda Accord that was chasing back and forth with a red SUV at and around 65th and Karlov. As the Accord sped east on Marquette Road, it crashed into a car driven by an 88-year-old West Lawn woman, and then crashed into the house at 4021 W. Marquette. Another passenger in the car, a 23-year-old Scottsdale man—also said by police to be a gang member—suffered a bullet graze wound to his neck, was transported to Advocate Christ Medical Center, treated and released. The driver of the Accord—wearing a bloodied white tank top--bolted and remains at large, police said. The police report did not say whether the 88-year-old woman was injured. Yousef was remembered at a prayer service on Friday at the Mosque Foundation in Bridgeview.

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

Archer Heights man shot, killed in alley

A 32-year-old Archer Heights man was shot and killed as he walked in an alley behind 4830 S. Kildare at 12:10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 4. Juan A. Pita-Rosas was shot in the face, transported to Mt. Sinai Hospital by CFD ambulance and pronounced dead at 1:05 a.m., police said. A second victim, a 22-year-old Archer Heights man, was shot in the chest and right arm. He was brought to Holy Cross Hospital and later transferred to Mt. Sinai, where he told police that he was at a party on the block when he saw Pita-Rosas hit as he walked from the alley into an open garage. Witnesses described the gunman only as a Hispanic man with short hair, wearing a red shirt.

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Orange Line rider robbed on 59th Street

A 24-year-old West Lawn woman was robbed of her cell phone as she walked down a sidewalk in the 4700 block of West 59th Street at 12:45 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 3. The victim told police she had just gotten off a CTA Orange Line train when she was approached by a man who asked if she had a cigarette lighter. When she ignored his question, he slapped her cell phone out of her hand, picked it up and ran to a wooded area near 60th and Kilpatrick. The victim then ran home and called police. The offender was described as a black man age 18-20, 5-foot-5 and 125 pounds, with a light complexion and brown hair in dreadlocks, wearing a black shirt and blue jeans.

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Burglars hit restaurant on Archer

Burglars kicked in the glass front door of El Kaporal restaurant, 5078 S. Archer, and stole a cash register, a TV, a Roku streaming video player and about $100 cash. The crime was discovered by an employee, a 45-year-old man, when he came to work at 9:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 2.

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Want to work directly with Chicago Police to prevent crime in your neighborhood? If you live in Beat 814 (see map), come to Vittum Park at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, September 8 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.


Camera swiped in Clearing burglary
Burglars broke through the side window of an apartment near 65th and Central and stole a camera. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 33-year-old woman, at 12:16 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 3.

Garage may have been unlocked, burglary victim says
Burglars entered a garage near 48th and Kolin and stole four car rims, two car tires, a saw, two grinders, a tool pack and a tool pouch. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 33-year-old man, at 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 3. There was no sign of forced entry, and the victim said he may have left the garage door unlocked.

Passport, credit cards taken from garage

Burglars broke into a garage near 55th and Kolmar, entered a vehicle parked inside and stole two credit cards and a passport. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 39-year-old man, at 6 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 3.

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Clearing Night Force Fundraiser: Learn to Paint, Have Some Fun, Fight Crime

Tickets are now on sale for a "painting party" fundraiser to

benefit the work of the Clearing Night Force, a neighborhood watch group serving the central and west portion of the Clearing neighborhood (everything west of Central Avenue).

The "learn how to paint" session will be led by an artist from

PaintNite and will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18 at Vince's Restaurant and Pizzeria, 6217 W. 63rd St.

Cost is $45 person, which includes all art materials needed. Appetizers and drinks will be available for purchase. Seating is limited, and participants are encouraged to sign up now.

To purchase tickets, go online to paintnite.com/events/1114991.html or send an email to clearingnightforce812@gmail.com.

Proceeds from the event will help fund the Clearing Night Force's crime prevention activities, including website maintenance and printing costs.

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GRNW Sell-A-Bration Coming; Like a Big, Fun Garage Sale at Kennedy HS

Those wishing to sell rummage items are invited to reserve

space at the upcoming Sell-A-Bration hosted by the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch, set for 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24 in the west parking lot of Kennedy High School, 56th and Narragansett.

The Sell-A-Bration will include a basket raffle. Proceeds from the raffle and space rentals at the event will help fund the GRNW’s various neighborhood initiatives.

Information on space reservations may be obtained by calling 773-329-5728 or sending an email to anw3@comcast.net.

Additionally, donations of empty baskets, as well as gift items to fill them, are needed.

Rain date for the event is Sunday, Sept. 25.

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