Friday, May 9, 2025

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 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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Arrest man on fireworks rap on Archer

A 21-year-old Oswego man was charged with illegal possession of fireworks after he was arrested by police investigating a fender-bender outside 7055 W. Archer at 1:50 a.m. Sunday, April 27.
Hernandez

Adrian Hernandez allegedly admitted to possessing a bag of fireworks found in a vehicle, police said. Hernandez was a passenger in the vehicle.

According to public records, Hernandez was arrested by CPD in December 2023 near the Stevenson Expressway and Damen. He was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, possession of a high-capacity magazine and armor-piercing bullets, and possession of a laser sight.


Say man pushed woman
Fajardo


A 25-year-old Garfield Ridge man was charged with domestic battery after he was arrested at his home in the 5700 block of South Meade at 3:20 p.m. Sunday, April 27.

Kevin Alberto Fajardo allegedly pushed a 23-year-old woman in the chest during an argument, a CPD spokesman said.




Charged with violating court order
Young


A 21-year-old Clearing resident was charged with violating an order of protection after being arrested at their home in the 6200 block of West 63rd Place at 11:46 p.m. Thursday, April 24.

Katerina Young allegedly ran afoul of a court order by having contact with a 59-year-old man, a CPD spokesman said without elaborating.


Say man stole, damaged TV set
Santiago

An 18-year-old Vittum Park man was charged with theft, as well as criminal damage to property, after he was arrested near 51st and La Crosse at 6:05 p.m. Tuesday, April 29.

Angel E. Santiago, of the 5400 block of South Archer, allegedly stole and damaged a TV set belonging to a 32-year-old woman.




Claim man refused to leave MDW

A 48-year-old West Pullman man was charged with criminal trespass to land after he was arrested at Midway International Airport at 12:15 a.m. Thursday, April 24.
Matticx


Maurice G. Matticx, of the 400 block of West 118th Street, allegedly refused to leave the airport after being ordered to do so.

According to public records, Matticx has been arrested six times by CPD since 2022, mostly on trespassing charges but also once on a “theft of services” charge.


Arrest man on gun rap at MDW
Espinoza

A 24-year-old man from Pearland, Texas was charged with unlawful use of a weapon after he was arrested at Midway International Airport at 4:33 p.m. Saturday, April 26.

Jose R. Espinoza allegedly tried to board a passenger jet with a handgun in his carry-on bag, a CPD spokesman said





Charge man with domestic battery on Pulaski

A 25-year-old Englewood man was charged with domestic battery after he was arrested outside at 6002 S. Pulaski at 9:50 p.m. Saturday, April 26.
Ortiz


Leonel Ortiz, of the 1400 block of West 73rd Street, allegedly pushed a 21-year-old woman against a wall during an argument. A charge of aggravated assault was added after Ortiz allegedly walked up on a police officer with a clenched fist. A charge of aggravated battery was added after Ortiz allegedly grabbed and pushed a police officer at the scene.

According to public records, Ortiz has been arrested three times by CPD since 2022 on charges that included possession of a controlled substance and driving on a suspended license.


Allegedly threw drink on another man

A 39-year-old Brighton Park man was charged with battery after he was arrested in the baggage claim area at Midway International Airport at 2:57 a.m. Monday, April 28.
Avalos


Luis E. Avalos, of the 2500 block of West 40th Street, deliberately spilled a beverage on a 37-year-old man, a CPD spokesman said without elaborating.

According to public records, Avalos has been arrested 10 times by CPD since 2017 on charges that included drinking alcohol on the public way, possession of a controlled substance, driving without a license, driving without insurance, driving on a sidewalk, damage to public property, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, leaving the scene of an accident, aggravated fleeing, theft, retail theft, possession of a pellet gun, battery and domestic battery.





Employees finger woman as alleged thief

A 66-year-old Chicago Lawn woman was charged with retail theft after she was arrested at Continental Sales, 6333 S. Cicero, at 6:29 p.m. Monday, April 28.
Cain


Cynthia Cain, of the 6300 block of South Washtenaw, was reportedly identified by employees as the woman who stole merchandise from the store on March 28. A CPD spokesman did not say what was allegedly stolen.

According to public records, Cain was arrested by CPD in August 2024 at 58th and Kedzie and charged with battery.


Charge man again with domestic battery

A 26-year-old Brighton Park man was charged with domestic battery and violating an order of protection after he was arrested outside at 5900 S. Pulaski at 11:31 p.m. Monday, April 28.
Almendares


Jose Almendares, of the 4200 block of South Francisco, allegedly struck a 42-year-old man in an argument that occurred in the 3700 block of West 59th Street, shortly before his arrest.

According to public records, Almendares has been arrested 14 times by CPD since 2016—multiple times for domestic battery and violating orders of protection—but also for obstructing identification, drinking alcohol on the public way, driving on a suspended license, reckless driving, criminal damage to property and aggravated battery of a police officer.






Woman charged after crash on Archer

A 28-year-old Lower West Side woman was charged with failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, failure to carry a driver’s license and two counts of failure to give information regarding a traffic crash after she was arrested in from of 5523 S. Narragansett at 9:44 p.m. Friday, April 11.
Villagomez Cerda


Leticia Villagomez Cerda, of the 2000 block of South Leavitt, reportedly crashed her vehicle into two other vehicles in the 6000 block of South Archer, minutes before she was apprehended, a CPD spokesman said.

According to public records, Villagomez Cerda was arrested by CPD in October 2016 at 26th and Central Park and charged with aggravated DUI.


Charge man with domestic battery
Rivera

A 23-year-old Garfield Ridge man was charged with domestic battery after he was arrested at his home in the 5800 block of South Monitor at 11:55 a.m. Saturday, April 12.

Kenneth V. Rivera allegedly hit a 27-year-old man during an argument.










Charge man with punching co-worker

A 21-year-old West Elsdon man was charged with battery after he was arrested in front of 5757 W. 59th St. at 7:20 a.m. Tuesday, April 15.
Botello


Ramiro Botello, of the 5600 block of South Pulaski, allegedly punched a 22-year-old man, a co-worker, in the face, a CPD spokesman said without elaborating.

A month before his arrest, Botello was arrested by CPD near 59th and St. Louis and charged with aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon, according to public records.


Charge Cicero man in connection with crash
Ambriz


A 54-year-old Cicero man was charged with DUI, reckless driving, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, leaving the scene of an accident and illegally transporting open alcohol in a vehicle after he was arrested in front of 6299 W. 55th St. at 8:11 p.m. Sunday, April 20.

Ramiro Ambriz, of the 1400 block of South 57th Court, allegedly crashed into three parked vehicles several blocks north of where he was apprehended, a CPD spokesman said.



She hit me, man tells police

A 47-year-old Clearing woman was charged with domestic battery after she was arrested at her home in the 6000 block of South Central at 8:14 p.m. Thursday, April 3.
Moctezuma


Maria Isabel Moctezuma allegedly used a bag to hit a 31-year-old man in the head during an argument, a CPD spokesman said.

According to public records, Moctezuma was arrested by CPD in December 2018 near 64th and Hamlin and charged with domestic battery.


Charged with ‘peeping tom’ crime

A 45-year-old Clearing man was charged with criminal trespassing, as well as disorderly conduct/window peeping after he was arrested at his home in the 6500 block of West 65th Street at 8:27 p.m. Friday, April 11.
Blasiaski


Ryan Blasiaski was apprehended by police responding to a “suspicious person” call. A CPD spokesman did not say exactly where Blasiaski allegedly peered in another person’s window. 

According to public records, Blasiaski has been arrested six times by CPD since 2019 on charges that included criminal trespassing and public indecency.





Claim man threatened woman at park
Mancilla


A 30-year-old Burbank man was charged with aggravated assault after he was arrested in Hale Park, 6258 W. 62nd St., at 3:32 p.m. Monday, April 14.

Michael A. Mancilla, of the 7700 block of South Monitor, was apprehended by police responding to a “person with a gun” call. He allegedly made a verbal threat against a 20-year-old woman in the park, police said.



Charge man with DUI in crash
Glaze



A 45-year-old Hometown man was charged with DUI and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident after he was arrested outside 6100 S. Austin at 5:13 p.m. Friday, April 18.

Michael A. Glaze, of the 4300 block of West 87th Place, hit a parked vehicle before he was arrested, a CPD spokesman said.





Charged again with violating order of protection

A 57-year-old Oak Park man was charged with violating an order of protection after he was arrested in the backyard of a home in the 6400 block of South Kedvale at 11:49 a.m. Tuesday, April 22.
Alvarez-Carrillo


Eduardo Alvarez-Carrillo, of the 400 block of South Scoville, allegedly knocked on a door at the home, in violation of a court order.

According to public records, Alvarez-Carrillo has been arrested seven times by CPD since 2023—once charged with domestic battery and six times charged with violating an order of protection.


Say homeless man set fire at MDW

A 28-year-old homeless man was charged with arson, as well as criminal trespass to property, after he was arrested at Midway International Airport at 3:21 p.m. Monday, April 14.
Vazquez


Jose E. Vazquez, of the homeless shelter in the 1400 block of South Canal, allegedly started a small fire in the “departure” area of the airport. It was quickly extinguished, a CPD spokesman said.

According to public records, Vazquez has been arrested nine times by CPD since 2021 on such charges as criminal trespass to land, theft, indecent exposure, obstructing identification and disorderly conduct/window peeping.


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Monday, April 28, 2025

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 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 West Elsdon man with child porn possession

A 29-year-old West Elsdon man has been charged with possession of child pornography following a Sheriff’s Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigation, Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart announced on April 28.

In October, the ICAC Unit began investigating a tip they received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about a user on a social media app who had reportedly uploaded files containing child pornography.

Through subpoenas and search warrants, investigators confirmed the content on the account contained child pornography and that the account belonged to Marcos Fuentes-Robledo, of the 3600 block of West 55th Place, Dart said.
Marcos Fuentes-Robledo

On April 3, Investigators met with Fuentes-Robledo, and after being issued his Miranda Warning, he admitted to viewing child pornography on his cellphone, Dart added.

Investigators took possession of his phone and obtained a search warrant for it. A forensic analysis of the phone found approximately two dozen sexually explicit videos and images involving children, Sheriff's Office officials said.

On April 25, Investigators arrested Fuentes-Robledo. That afternoon, the Cook State’s Attorney’s Office approved one count of Dissemination of Child Pornography, a Class X felony, and one count of Possession of Child Pornography, a Class 2 felony, against him.

He was scheduled to appear on April 28 at the George N. Leighton Criminal Courthouse for his initial hearing.

Since 2020, Sheriff’s Police ICAC Unit Investigations have led to charges against 53 people for cases involving victimization of children and child pornography.



SW Side pair charged with stealing from suburban Home Depot stores

Two West Elsdon men are among four men charged with stealing from multiple Home Depot stores in DuPage County, according to DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Downers Grove Chief of Police Michael DeVries.

Criztobal Alvarez-Olivera, 31, and Marcos Alvarez-Olivera, 29, both of the 4100 block of West 58th Place, appeared in First Appearance Court earlier this month. As burglary and retail theft are not detainable offenses under Illinois law, they were released pre-trial with the condition that they are prohibited from entering any Home Depot store.
Criztobal Alvarez-Olivera


Both Criztobal Alvarez-Olivera and Marcos Alvarez-Olivera were charged with multiple counts of felony burglary and felony retail theft. Additionally, Marcos Alvarez-Olivera was charged with one count of misdemeanor resisting a police officer for allegedly running away from a Carol Stream detective.

Similar charges were made against two Cicero men: David Flores, 41, of the 1200 block of West19th Street; and Rafael Felix, 33, of the 1600 block of South 49th Court.

• Authorities said that just before 2:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, Criztobal Alvarez-Olivera and Flores entered the Home Depot store at 2000 Butterfield Road, Downers Grove. Once inside, the pair allegedly selected merchandise totaling approximately $698, including a Chamberlain wall mount garage door opener and a Dewalt portable car charger and left the store without paying for the merchandise.

• Authorities also claimed that on Monday, March 31, the pair entered the Home Depot store at 475 S. Schmale Road, Carol Stream. Once inside, the pair allegedly selected merchandise totaling approximately $676, including two Dewalt air compressors and two Milwaukee multi-tools and left the store without paying for the merchandise.
Marcos Alvarez-Olivera

• It is further alleged that shortly after 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 14, all four men entered the Home Depot store at 7200 Woodward Ave., Woodridge. Once inside, they allegedly selected power tools totaling approximately $4,482 and left the store without paying for the items.

• Later that same day, just before 1 p.m., the men allegedly entered the Carol Stream Home Depot on Schmale Road and selected power tools totaling approximately $6,638 and left the store without paying for the items.

Following a lengthy investigation led by the Downers Grove Police Department, all four men were taken into custody later that day.

“The apprehension of the four defendants in this case sends a crystal-clear message to would-be thieves that if you come to DuPage County to steal, you will be arrested, charged and prosecuted,” Berlin said. “Our law enforcement agencies are well-prepared and ready to work together to stop those who would victimize our retail establishments. As I previously said, retail theft results in lost profits for business owners, lost wages for employees, higher prices for consumers and lost economic investment in our communities. I commend the Downers Grove Police Department for their work on this case and for their continued efforts in keeping our retail establishments safe. I also thank the Carol Stream Police Department for their assistance as well as Assistant State’s Attorneys Sean Kinsella and Kevin Kosman for their work in securing charges against these four defendants.”

“I commend our team of investigators for their continual dedication to identifying and apprehending individuals responsible for committing these crimes in Downers Grove and throughout DuPage County,” DeVries said. “I would also like to thank DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin and his office for their assistance with this case, along with the Carol Stream Police Department, for their assistance in apprehending these individuals.”

The next court appearance for all four men is set for May 12 in front of Judge Mia McPherson.

(Editor's Note: A thank you to SWCP reader Thomas McGill for alerting us to this news, from the DuPage County State’s Attorney's Office.)




Friday, April 18, 2025

That Sponsored Ad Might Be a Scam

Just sent to us by the Better Business Bureau:


Sponsored content is everywhere online. From the top results of your search engine to the tempting deal you scrolled past on social media – it’s hard to avoid.

While most sponsored ads are legitimate, some aren’t. Just as real, trustworthy businesses can purchase sponsored ads to boost their content in your search results or social media feeds, so too can scammers that create impostor websites.

The BBB continues to receive reports from consumers who are tricked into clicking on fake websites that are advertised on search engines and social media as “sponsored.” These scams are not only specific to retail websites and merchandise – there are also reports of sponsored ads for fake passport renewal services, healthcare open enrollment websites, lost and found services, puppies for sale and more.

How the scam works

It starts with a simple search. Let’s say you’re looking to buy sneakers, and the top result of your search is a “sponsored” ad for a retailer selling your item. Or, you may see a sponsored ad on your social media feed for the same product.

You click on the link and are taken to what appears to be a legitimate website. The merchandise may even be majorly discounted, and you think you’re getting a great deal. At checkout, you enter your personal and financial information and make your purchase.

At this point, you may never receive your merchandise. If you try to contact the company’s customer support, they may not have a record of your purchase, making you realize that you purchased from a fake website. You may not be able to find the original website that you purchased from or their contact information may be disabled.

As mentioned, these sponsored ad scams are not always tied to fake retail websites. One person shared their experience on BBB Scam Tracker, “I did a [search engine redacted] search for “Apply Global Entry” and I clicked on the first link that showed up. I didn’t realize it was a sponsored link. I filled out all my daughter’s personal information including name, date of birth, address, passport information thinking I was on the U.S. government’s website and realized only when I arrived at the payment page that this was a scam.”

How to avoid these scams

No matter what, always confirm you are on a legitimate website. Even if a website is sponsored and shows up at the top of your search results, always confirm that you are on the correct website before making a purchase or entering your personal information. Scammers are easily able to create lookalike websites that seem like the real deal. See BBB’s tips for identifying a fake website.

Use caution when making purchases through social media shops. Sometimes, sponsored ads on social media platforms take you to purchase products on the app’s shop. You may not be able to tell if the retailer or merchandise is legitimate through the app’s shop. If you’re unsure, you can search for the retailer on your own and find their real website to purchase from. See BBB’s tips for buying from social media ads.

Be wary of too-good-to-be-true deals. Major discounts on otherwise expensive products often trick people into purchasing items on fake websites. If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Do a quick search to compare prices on other sites to get an idea of what the item really costs.

Use BBB to verify business information. If you’re questioning whether the website you’re visiting is an impostor site, check with BBB.org to find the business’s information and verify its web address. If you’re not familiar with the business, you can also see if there are any customer reviews or complaints listed.

Be proactive and keep trusted contact information handy. Having official websites bookmarked or customer service numbers saved can help you avoid scams when you’re in a hurry and searching for a business. See BBB’s recommendations for what contact information to save.