Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Thieves Hitting Cars in Garfield Ridge

By Tim Hadac
Managing Editor
Southwest Chicago Post

A cluster of thefts from vehicles in the Garfield Ridge area has prompted police to issue a community alert.

Crime scenes include:
    • 5200 block of South Moody at about 5:45 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 26.
    • 5600 block of South Menard at about 5 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 26.
    • 6200 block of South Nashville at about 7:45 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27.
    • 5600 block of South Newland at about 12:15 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28.
    • 5800 block of South Sayre at about 12:45 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28.
    • 5700 block of South Rutherford at about 12:45 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28.
    • 5700 block of South Nottingham at about 1:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28.
    • 5600 block of South Moody at about 12:15 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28.

Police did not say if the times given are times the crimes occurred or the times the crimes were discovered.

The thieves are described as one to four men age 18-30, wearing dark clothing.

Those with useful information to share about the crimes are encouraged to call CPD Area 1 detectives at (312) 747-8430 and refer to crime pattern P23-1-048.

In the wake of the crimes, police advise:

• Be aware of this crime and alert your neighbors.
• Pay special attention to any suspicious people loitering in the area.
• Do not leave your car unlocked.
• Do not leave any valuables visible.
• Call 911 immediately and provide a detailed description of the offender(s), including any vehicle description and license plate information.


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Thursday, February 16, 2023

Archer Avenue Going Green Next Month

Parade to salute hero Danny Golden 

By Tim Hadac
Managing Editor
Southwest Chicago Post

A man hailed as a hero for his bravery and sacrifice last year will be saluted at the 2023 Archer Avenue St. Patrick’s Day parade, set for Saturday, March 11.

Chicago Police Officer Danny Golden, 32, a third-generation member of the force and an Army veteran, was shot last July when he, while off duty, attempted to be a peacemaker and break up a fight on a street. A bullet fired from the gun of one of the combatants severed his spinal cord and left him with a lifetime of medical bills and a host of other needs.

“We’re pleased and proud to have Danny Golden as the parade’s Honorary Grand Marshal this year,” said parade organizer Ed Maher. “He’s truly a hero, and his sacrifice should be remembered and honored by everyone.”

Revenue from parade sponsorships will be donated to the Daniel Golden CARE Trust.

Staging for community groups marching/riding in the parade will be along Oak Park Avenue, just north of Archer. Staging for the various heavy-equipment vehicles in the parade will be along Archer, just west of Oak Park.

Step-off is set for noon at Archer and Oak Park, with parade units heading east up Archer to Narragansett, where the parade will turn south and disband at the west parking lot of Kennedy High School.
The parade is especially fun for children.


There is no parade after-party, Maher said, adding that event organizers urge everyone to instead patronize local restaurants and pubs that could use a surge in business.

It is anticipated that local schools, churches, Scout troops, youth athletic associations and others will have units in the parade. Units will have to register in advance with parade organizers. For details, contact Ed Maher at Archerparade@gmail.com. Those hoping to be in the parade must register before Wednesday, Feb. 22. 

The parade’s host is the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150, led by its president-business manager, James M. Sweeney.

Serving as a parade co-host again is the Clear-Ridge Men’s Social Athletic Club (SAC).

“This is a wonderful, family-focused event that has a lot of neighborhood charm,” said SAC member Al Cacciottolo. “Aside from being a lot of fun, it’s a real showcase for our community organizations to put their best foot forward and let people know who they are. It’s one of those events that help build a stronger and better neighborhood.

“On top of that, Garfield Ridge and Clearing are working neighborhoods, union neighborhoods,” he continued. “So we’re grateful to Jim Sweeney and Local 150 for their leadership with this awesome neighborhood event.”

The parade on Archer is set to occur the same day as the downtown St. Patrick’s Day Parade and a day before the annual South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade, in the Beverly and Morgan Park neighborhood on the Far Southwest Side.





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Tuesday, February 14, 2023

You Like Eddie. We Like Eddie. But We Won't Be Voting For Him. Here's Why.


Opinion

By Joan Hadac
SWCP Editor and Publisher
and
Tim Hadac
SWCP Managing Editor


Just like all other Southwest Side voters, we have opinions relating to politics.

But in the 11 years since we launched the Southwest Chicago Post, we've done our best to keep our political opinions to ourselves; thinking it best to simply report the news and let folks draw their own conclusions.

But today, briefly, we will break with that, because the Southwest Side may be in danger of losing one of the best aldermen we've ever had.

And we say that with quite a bit of experience. Though the SWCP is just 11 years old, both of us--as local news reporters--started observing and reporting on Southwest Side aldermen and other politicians in the mid-1980s. In nearly 40 years on the job, we've seen enough political dead wood to fill a lumber yard. And that's taught us to appreciate good public servants that much more.

One of those good public servants is 23rd Ward Alderman Silvana Tabares.
Alderman Silvana Tabares

She's currently up for re-election against a high-energy, highly-motivated, highly visible West Lawn man, Eddie Guillen.

And with the recent ward remap taking all of Clearing and much of Garfield Ridge away from the 23rd Ward and giving it to the 13th Ward (a remap Tabares strongly objected to and voted against), the new 23rd Ward includes a lot of homes in West Lawn--formerly the 13th Ward. Draw your own conclusions about how and why that happened, we say with a wink.

Eddie lives in that section of West Lawn. Coincidence?

There's a lot of good to be said about Eddie. Humble beginnings, worked his way up, educated, bright, cheerful, likable, a man who lives his faith, often the first to stand up and step forward when someone needs help. He's proven that in recent years, repeatedly.
A selfie from Eddie Guillen (left).


But what kind of 23rd Ward alderman would Eddie make? Beyond the tiresome, empty platitudes every candidate uses ("I want to be a bridge between people and government" etc.), what are his positions on specific issues?

Well, that's not easy to figure out. Check out his website and you may (with a bit of difficulty) be able to find an "Issues" page that talks in general terms, but appears to avoid specifics and the all-important "how" of every issue.

But here's what you'll find with no difficulty at all on that same website: an astounding 57 photos of Eddie and more than 20 videos that include Eddie. 

OK, so why is Eddie flooding us with photos/videos of himself, but not talking about the specifics, about the "how" of each important issue facing the 23rd Ward? We suspect it's because he's simply not sure. Just like a lot of aldermanic challengers in wards across the city.

And if you look at Eddie's campaigning via social media, you'll see he's heavy on selfies and "community calendar" stuff and light on a genuine discussion of issues of importance, the nuts and bolts of governing, the "how" of running a ward and a city.

So Eddie's a man we like, a lot, but can't possibly vote for as alderman. Why? Because "Vote for me, I'm nice" simply isn't enough.

Especially if it means ditching an alderman with a strong record of success.

Silvana Tabares is the first-ever Hispanic alderman of the 23rd Ward. We like that, especially in a city where the white political establishment has for decades worked to deny Latinos a seat at the table.
Tabares serves as a positive role model for girls.

Silvana Tabares is the first-ever woman alderman of the 23rd Ward. We like that, especially in a city where the male political establishment has for decades worked to deny women a seat at the table.

We don't want to lose that.

Like any incumbent, Silvana Tabares is running on her record.

And it's a good one. A solid, consistent record of supporting our police and other first responders. A record of delivering basic city services. A record of fighting tax increases. A record of supporting mom-and-pop businesses. And perhaps most important, a record of doing what's right, a record of courage in standing up to an arrogant, vindictive, out-of-control mayor who sometimes seems to have nothing but scorn for the men, women and children of the Southwest Side.

Silvana Tabares has our vote on Tuesday, February 28. We think she deserves yours. Thanks.

# # #


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Friday, February 10, 2023

CPMF Hails 8th District Police for Response at Ford City Condo Standoff

.

The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation recently named four CPD officers and a CPD sergeant their February Officers of the Month, in recognition of their effective response to a potentially deadly situation that occurred last spring:


"On April 4, 2022, 8th District Tactical Officers Ivan Lopez, Martin Kirkel, Joseph Shanahan and Sgt. Daniel Hodges responded to call of a domestic-related “person shot” call inside an apartment at 4260 W. Ford City Drive.


"Upon arriving, the officers could hear a female pleading for help inside, yelling she had been shot and that the offender was still in the apartment. Officers Lopez, Shanahan and Kirkel, recognizing the dire situation, entered the small apartment, took positions of cover and yelled for the offender to come out. The officers further noticed that the victim’s father was also shot and lying motionless on the adjacent kitchen floor.

"The officers approached the second victim to render aid when the offender exited a back room with a handgun and fired two shots directly at the officers. The three officers, without personal regard for their own safety, then grabbed the female victim by the hand, dragging her into the hallway, where Sgt. Hodges immediately pulled her down the hall safely to awaiting paramedics.

"Sgt. Hodges then set up a perimeter, notified SWAT and directed other responding officers to evacuate the neighboring apartments. After handing off the victim to Sgt. Hodges, Officer Lopez took a position outside the apartment door, where he began a dialogue with the offender, pleading with him to surrender, while at the same time drawing his attention away from the second gunshot victim, who was still lying on the floor.

"Officer Lopez used great restraint in not re-entering the apartment and risking a second shooting encounter. Instead, he began speaking calmly with the offender for approximately 40 minutes. Officer Lopez continued his dialogue until the arrival of Special Weapons and Tactics Officer Orlando Sanchez, who then took over the dialogue with the offender. For another hour, Officer Sanchez patiently spoke to the offender and on multiple occasions was close to getting him to surrender peacefully. 

"Finally, Officer Sanchez convinced the offender to come to the front room area in view of officers. The offender, who still had his handgun in his hand, then raised the gun and pointed it at Officer Sanchez who in return fatally shot the offender.

"The officers then entered the apartment, rescued the second shooting victim and provided medical aid to the offender. Both gunshot victims, although seriously wounded, subsequently survived their injuries from the incident.

"Each of our awardees demonstrated in great degree, acts of selflessness, personal courage and devotion to duty. Their teamwork, bravery, and sound tactics led to the rescue of two innocent victims from an extremely deadly situation and an armed offender was stopped before being able to cause further harm."



Congratulations to Officers Ivan Lopez, Joseph Shanahan, Martin Kirkel, Orlando Sanchez and Sergeant Daniel Hodges. (Pictured above with 8th District Commander Bryan Spreyne.)



























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Thursday, January 19, 2023

Warn of burglars in Garfield Ridge

By Tim Hadac
Managing Editor
Southwest Chicago Post

A cluster of residential burglaries in Garfield Ridge has prompted police to issue a warning to the community.

 Crime scenes include:
• 5200 block of South Normandy on Jan. 1.  
• 5600 block of South Mobile on Jan. 7.  
• 5300 block of South Mason on Jan. 10.  
• 6000 block of West 60th Street on Jan. 10.  
• 6800 block of West 60th Place on Jan. 15.  
• 5400 block of South Newland on Jan. 17.  
• 5400 block of South Melvina on Jan. 17.  
• 5300 block of South Neenah on Jan. 17.  
 
The burglars were described as Hispanic men of various ages, heights and weights.

Those with useful information to share about the crimes are asked to call CPD Area 1 detectives at (312) 747-8380 and refer to crime pattern P23-1-014.

In the wake of the crimes, police advise:
• Keep the perimeter of your property well-lit.
• Report suspicious activity immediately.  
• Keep doors and windows secured.  
• Immediately repair any broken windows, doors or locks.  
• If video surveillance footage is available, save a copy of the incident for detectives.  
• If you are a victim, do not touch anything; call police immediately  
• If approached by a witness to the incident, request contact information.  


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Tuesday, January 17, 2023

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.


* * *


Claim boy helped carjack driver on Pulaski

A 15-year-old boy was charged with aggravated vehicular hijacking after he was arrested by members of the CPD Vehicular Hijacking Task Force at 12:19 p.m. Monday, Jan. 16 in the 7700 block of South Honore. Police said the teen was positively identified as one of the offenders who, hours earlier, took a vehicle at gunpoint from a 30-year-old man in the 8100 block of South Pulaski.


Back to prison after traffic stop
Langford


A 28-year-old Roseland man was charged being an armed habitual criminal after he was arrested during a traffic stop in front of 3703 W. Marquette at 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21.

Javontay J. Langford, of the 11200 block of South King Drive, was reportedly found to be in possession of a loaded handgun and ammunition magazine.

According to the Illinois Department of Corrections, Langford has served time for residential burglary, as well as gun and drug convictions. In 2017 he was sentenced to eight years in prison for a weapons conviction. But he was released in April 2021. Langford is currently back in IDOC custody.


* * *
Want to work directly with Chicago Police to prevent crime in your neighborhood? If you live in and/or own a business in Beats 813 or 833 (see map) make plans to attend your next CAPS meeting, set for 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 24 at West Lawn Park, 4233 West 65th Street. 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.


* * *


Charge man with aggravated battery
Lemus



A 22-year-old Northwest Side man was charged with aggravated battery after he was arrested in the 6500 block of West 64th Place at 12:58 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 1.

Max M. Lemus, of the 7100 block of North Overhill, allegedly hit a 27-year-old man in the head with a gun during an argument.

Two charges of aggravated assault were added after Lemus allegedly threatened two police officers at the scene.


Charge man with domestic battery
Pettis



A 31-year-old Clearing man was charged with domestic battery and disorderly conduct after he was arrested at a home in the 6100 block of South Oak Park at 10:50 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 1.

Robert J. Pettis, of the 6400 block of South Oak Park, was allegedly involved in an argument and snatched a child away from her, leading to a standoff with police, according to a CPD spokesman.

According to public records, Pettis has been arrested 10 times by CPD since 2016 on such charges as urinating/defecating on the public way, criminal trespass to land, battery, burglary, theft and retail theft.




Say suburban man fired gun
Kahla


A 37-year-old man from suburban Tinley Park was charged with reckless discharge of a firearm after he was arrested in the 6900 block of West 60th Street at 11:51 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5.

Mohammed Kahla, of the 9100 block of West Basswood Drive, was apprehended by officers responding to a ShotSpotter alert.

A CPD spokesman said Kahla fired a handgun once into the ground and then hid the weapon but later admitted to the crime. 



Charge woman with domestic battery again
Frazier



A 19-year-old Clearing woman was charged with domestic battery after she was arrested at her home in the 6100 block of South Moody at 4:20 a.m. Friday, Jan. 6. 

Alexis Frazier allegedly restrained a 15-year-old boy and tried to prevent him from packing his personal belongings, a CPD spokesman said without elaborating. 

According to public records, Frazier was arrested by CPD at her home on Dec. 15 and charged with domestic battery.






Claim man tried to strangle woman to death
Cortes


A 26-year-old Garfield Ridge man was charged with attempted murder after he was arrested in the 5300 block of South Laramie at 10:56 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 29.

Juan Cortes, of the 5300 block of South Long, was apprehended by police after a brief foot chase, a CPD spokesman said. Cortes allegedly tried to kill a 28-year-old woman in his home. He also was charged with aggravated domestic battery/strangulation, aggravated kidnapping and aggravated criminal sexual assault. 

According to public records, Cortez has been three times by CPD in the last four years. He was arrested in May 2022 near 45th and Richmond and charged with domestic battery. In January 2019 he was arrested at 56th and Narragansett and charged with throwing bottles at passing vehicles.
Cortes


Also arrested on Dec. 29 was 74-year-old Juan Cortes, also of the 5300 block of South Long. He was charged with kidnapping after he allegedly helped the younger Cortes force the woman into the home.

Bond was denied for both men, and they are set to appear in court on January 26.






Charge man with aggravated domestic battery
Brown



A 49-year-old Hearst area man was charged with aggravated domestic battery after he was arrested at his home in the 4500 block of South Leclaire at 9:44 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8.


Jameica Brown was identified as the man who allegedly hit a 49-year -old woman and threatened her with a knife back in November. A CPD spokesman offered no other details.


Traffic stop leads to gun charge
Ibarra



A 25-year-old West Lawn man was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon after he was arrested during a traffic stop in front of 5932 S. Pulaski at 1:04 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28.


Giovanny Ibarra, of the 3800 block of West 59th Street, allegedly was in possession of a loaded handgun, a CPD spokesman said without elaborating.




‘Suspicious vehicle’ call leads to arrest
Valle



A 21-year-old Brighton Park man was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon after he was arrested in an alley behind 5532 S. Kenneth at 7:45 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 29.


Ruben Valle Jr., of the 2600 block of West 46th Street, was found sleeping in the driver’s seat of a parked vehicle, a CPD spokesman said, adding that officers spotted a pistol in the driver’s side door.


Say man drove recklessly
Sanchez



A 27-year-old Gage Park man was charged with reckless driving and driving on a revoked license after he was arrested during a traffic stop in front of 4028 W. 63rd St. at 8:23 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31.


Enrique Sanchez, of the 5800 block of South Mozart, also was cited for driving without insurance.




Charge Bridgeport man with DUI after crash
Benitez



A 26-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with DUI, driving without insurance and failure to notify authorities of a vehicular crash.

Joe Alejandro Mora Benitez, of the 3400 block of South Lituanica, was arrested as he walked in front of 4339 W. 55th St. at 12:55 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 1.

Police said minutes earlier, Benitez crashed his vehicle into a parked vehicle on the same block.


Say man had alcohol in vehicle
Zaragoza


A 23-year-old West Lawn man was charged with illegal transportation of alcohol after he was arrested during a traffic stop near his home in the 6100 block of South Kildare at 12:44 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 5.

Cesar Zaragoza also was charged with resisting arrest after he allegedly refused to get out of his vehicle when ordered to do so.

According to public records, Zaragoza has been arrested eight times by CPD since 2017 on such charges as obstructing identification, possession of a deadly weapon, robbery, battery, DUI and  violating an order of protection.





Claim man used knife to threaten elderly woman
Haynes


A 36-year-old man from suburban Dolton was charged with aggravated assault after he was arrested in the 8500 block of South Kilpatrick at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 25. 

James E. Haynes, of the 15600 block of South Dobson, allegedly used a knife to threaten a 69-year-old woman, a CPD spokesman said.

According to public records, Haynes was arrested by CPD in January 2015 near 63rd and St. Lawrence and charged with violating the terms of parole by having contact with a street gang member.



Say woman punched man in mouth
Gomez



A 36-year-old Ashburn woman was charged with domestic battery after she was arrested at her home in the 3900 block of West 83rd Street at 1:18 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 31.


Maria M. Gomez allegedly punched a 40-year-old man in the mouth during an argument.





Charge man with DUI on New Year’s Day
Adams



A 38-year-old Chicago Lawn man was charged with DUI, driving on a revoked license and illegally transporting open alcohol after he was arrested during a traffic stop in the 3200 block of West Columbus (Southwest Highway) at 2:27 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 1. 


Antonio L. Adams, of the 6300 block of South Campbell, was encountered by police who said he was slumped over the steering wheel of his vehicle.


Allegedly threw a blanket over her
Babczak



A 32-year-old Scottsdale man was charged with domestic battery after he was arrested at his home in the 8600 block of South Kenneth at 4:25 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3.


Thomas R. Babczak allegedly threw a blanket over a 61-year-old woman and struck her, a CPD spokesman said without elaborating. 




Bust man on weapons rap at Ford City
Mayhorn



An 18-year-old Southeast Side man was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and possession of armor piercing bullets after he was arrested at a store in Ford City at 3:20 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30.


Tyrann D. Mayhorn, of the 9500 block of South Chappel, was stopped by a store security officer, who discovered a loaded handgun in his duffel bag, a CPD spokesman said while declining to name the store.





Allegedly punched her in the head
Catalan



A 23-year-old West Lawn man was charged with domestic battery after he was arrested at his home in the 6500 block of South Knox at 8:07 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 4. 


Flavio J. Catalan allegedly punched a 22-year-old woman in the back of the head during an argument, cutting her ear, a CPD spokesman said.


Bust man on gun rap at Ford City
Hopkins


A 36-year-old South Side man was charged with unlawful use of a weapon and possession of body armor after was arrested at a store in Ford City at 12:15 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5.

Andrew C. Hopkins, of the 8100 block of South Harper, was reportedly working a security job at the mall.

A CPD spokesman declined to give further details, but public records indicate that Hopkins was arrested by CPD February 2017 for failing to register as a convicted sex offender.
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