Chicago Police Department Weblog

16th District Works with Community Residents to Close Down "Drug House"

The 016th District is submitting the following success story :

On 22 May 08, at Beat 1634’s community meeting several complaints were made regarding possible drug sales at 49xx W. Eddy.  Lt. Joseph Schober assigned Tactical Team 1663 to follow up this vice complaint.

Officer Manny Hernandez, William G. Rickey, etc., set up a surveillance on the basement apartment at 49xx W. Eddy. They observed several persons coming to the front door and entering the building and within 2-3 minutes they would exit. "Take down officers" stopped one of the individuals that exited, several blocks from the premise.

During the interview the subject admitted to just purchasing marijuana from said location. After being advised of his rights the offender cooperated and identified the person who sold him the marijuana. The officer’s continued the covert surveillance and observed persons entering and exiting the basement apt. at 49xx W. Eddy, consistent with a location which was involved in illegal narcotic sales.

A search warrant was obtained for this location and executed by Lt. Schober, Sgt. Hiller, Affiant Officer Hernandez and Officers Rickey, Pasquale, Billy, Driscoll, Walsh, Black, Olsen and Ukawa.

The search warrant was positive with a large quantity of marijuana and monies being recovered. This outstanding investigation and arrest is a perfect example of problem solving and how the CAPS program works. Information and a complaints are originated at the beat meeting. The Tact team follows up-- with positive results. The community concern and problem is eradicated. The immediate feed back from neighboring residents was very positive and this is another great example of community policing in Chicago.

Thanks for a job well done!

Anthony J. Riccio, Commander

016th District

Community Works With Police -- Drug Offender Locked Up

NEWS RELEASE

Chicago Police Department

Jody P. Weis, Superintendent of Police                                                       

Monique Bond, Director of News Affairs   

For Immediate Release    June 5, 2008

Contact: Office of News Affairs (312) 745-6110 

Jefferson Park Community Residents Partner with the Police and Nab Drug Offender 

A Search Warrant Obtained and Executed by 16th District Tactical Team Leads to Arrest After Citizens' Tips at CAPS Beat Meeting

CHICAGO -- A 16th District Tactical Team arrested a man for Possession of Cannabis and Violation of Bail Bond after tips from citizens at a Community Beat Meeting provided officers with necessary details to establish surveillance and obtain and execute a search warrant.

Erik Lee Miller, 25, of the 4900 block of W. Eddy Ave. was taken into custody May 28, 2008 after police executed a search warrant and found approximately 13 grams of cannabis and a bulk sum of money inside of his residence. Miller, out on bond for an April 24th arrest for felony Possession of Cannabis, also was charged with Violation of Bail Bond.

During a Beat 1634 Community Beat Meeting on May 22, citizens voiced numerous complaints about possible drug sales at the location where Miller resides. A tactical team responded immediately by setting up covert surveillance to corroborate the tips about illegal narcotics sales. Observations and field interviews helped officers secure a search warrant.

"This outstanding investigation and arrest is a perfect example of problem-solving and how the CAPS program works," said 16th District Commander Anthony Riccio. "We know that when the community gets involved in helping the police with information on dangerous offenders, the quality of life and public safety is enhanced."

The Chicago Alternative Police Strategy (CAPS) was implemented in 1993, and there are more than 200 block clubs in the City of Chicago.

                                                                                  ###

1st District Officers Recognized by the Media for Saving a Man's Life

Stroke victim thanks his rescuers March 26, 2008 BY LISA DONOVAN Staff Reporter ldonovan@suntimes.com

Hector Sabelli had just parked the car and was heading to meet family at the Civic Opera House when he collapsed. Busy commuters stepped around him as he lay in front of 311 W. Washington, but a passerby stopped to help. Admittedly panicked, the passerby was composed enough to call 911 and stayed with him. » Click to enlarge image Chicago Police Officers Mathew Dorn and Artemio Pena meet with Hector Sabelli on Tuesday. They came to his aid when he collapsed downtown Feb. 16. Another passerby flagged down two Chicago Police officers on bicycle patrol, and they quickly started CPR. That was Feb. 16. And the prognosis didn't look good. On Tuesday, fresh out of the hospital after treatment for a stroke, Sabelli met passerby Elizabeth Kinsella and Officers Artemio Pena and Mathew Dorn. "I'm just so thankful to them," said Sabelli, 70, of Lincoln Park. His rescuers said they're just relieved that Sabelli survived.

The Tribune also ran the story as well as the TV stations covering the media event. www.ChicagoTribune.com

Editors Note:

Good police work usually goes un-noticed.  When the media does report a story it seems like it is an unusual occurance.    Police officers save lives and do heroic deeds every day as part of their job.  Positive stories happen every day.  We don't hear about them as much as we should.  Please let us know about these events and we will do all we can to get media attention to these stories.

Area 5 Detectives Salute 25th District Officers

Area 5 Detective Division salutes 25th District Police Officers:

Kersein, Cerda, Kushiner, Savage, Janda, O’Connor and Hall

On 5 Feb. 08, the above officers responded to a burglary in progress call. Witnesses reported that two offenders were possibly still in the residence. P.O. Cerda entered the apartment and discovered the two offenders inside. The offenders fled the apartment with P.O. Cerda in pursuit. One offender was taken into custody in front of the apartment and the second was arrested after a short foot chase. Both offenders were found with proceeds of the crime on their person which were later identified by the victim. Both offenders were found to have extensive criminal backgrounds. Due to their prompt response, two dangerous criminals were apprehended.

Thanks for a job well done. Stay Safe!

Domestic Violence Program salutes 17th District Officers

Office of the First Deputy Superintendent Domestic Violence Program Salutes 17th District Police Officers:

H. Walberg III and J. Washkevich

On 17 Oct. 07, a domestic violence victim walked into the 17th District and reported to the above officers that her boyfriend repeatedly abused her verbally and physically while she tried to leave with their 8 month old child. After interviewing the victim the officers were able to locate and arrest the offender. A review of the offenders background resulted in approval of Felony charges.

Thanks for a job well done.  Stay Safe!

St. Baldrick's Day - City's Largest Barber Shop Opens

The Fire Department has Challenged the Police Department

Would you get your head shaved to beat a challenge from the Fire Department? Would you volunteer to help raise funds for a great cause without getting your head shaved? If the answer is yes to either question, please read on. The Chicago Fire Department actually thinks they can beat the Chicago Police Department. Last year the Fire Department put together a team of about 100 volunteers and raised almost $100,000.00 for the St. Baldrick's Foundation. The mission of the St. Baldrick's Foundation is to raise awareness and funds to cure kids' cancer by supporting childhood cancer research and fellowships. Cancer is the number 1 disease killer of U.S. Children. St. Baldrick's began as a challenge between three Irish reinsurance executives who wanted to give back to the community so St. Baldrick was created. (There is no Saint Baldrick. The term was created when the founders fused the terms "bald" and "St. Patrick" together since the first event took place on St. Patrick's Day in 2002). At that event 9 people had their head shaved and raised $70,000.00. In 2007 more than 3,500 volunteers had their head shaved and raised over $1,700,000.00 for the foundation. On March 14, 2008, a special event will be held in Chicago and your help is needed. The Timothy J. O'Conner Training Academy will be transformed into a very large barber shop that day and any department member or family member brave enough to get their head shaved can participate between 0600 - 1700 hours. Obviously the challenge if you are getting your head shaved is to have have a bunch of people donating to this wonderful cause so they can see you bald. However, It is not necessary to have your head shaved to be part of this fundraiser. There are plenty of opportunities to help out and keep your hair. Help is needed with raffles, collecting donations, coordinating scheduling, and other activities so no volunteer's will be turned away. For additional information or to become part of the challenge, contact Bill O'Reilly at 312-745-5426 or send an e-mail to chromedome1269@sbcglobal.net and let him know you are available to be part of the team that beats the Fire Department..

Police & Fire Baseball Club Donations

THE CHICAGO POLICE AND FIRE BASEBALL CLUBS ALONG WITH THE CHICAGO CUBS PRESENT DONATIONS

The Chicago Police and Chicago Fire Baseball Clubs along with The Chicago Cubs will be hosting a luncheon March 6, 2007, 1pm at The Cubby Bear (Clark & Addison). Approximately $40,000.00 raised from the 2007 Baseball Classic at Wrigley Field will be presented to their charities, The Gold Star and Gold Badge Families, The CPD Memorial and Cubs Charities.

The Police and Fire Baseball Club would like to extend their gratitude to The Chicago Cubs for hosting this event and to their Sponsors, Comcast and Athletico, for their support.

Presentation time will at 1:45pm.

FTO Exam

FIELD OFFICERS

The FTO exam will be held on Saturday, 23 Feb. 08 at the Education and Training Division. Applicants are to report between 0800-0830 hours with their CPD I.D. The test will start promptly at 0900 hours. Door will close at 0830 hours and no late arrivals will be allowed in the building.

Follow up on Tips and Clues from a Beat Meeting Leads to Burglary Arrest.

Four officers from 022 went to the Beat Meeting for 2233 on 09 Jan 08 at the Fernwood Park Fieldhouse 10438 S Wallace. They were approached after the meeting by several citizens who did not want to talk in front of the crowd at the meeting. These citizens told the officers that several recent garage burglaries were being committed by several youths in the area.

The officers were aware of the increase in burglaries, and began to canvas alleys in an effort to apprehend said offenders. On 13 Jan 08, Officers James Nichols and N. Valentine were patrolling the alleys on 2233's beat when they observed three guys wheeling a dolly cart out of a garage at 11200 S Wallace. The offenders immediately fled on foot, with the officers pursuing. Two offenders escaped, but the officers captured Geremy Dudley, M/18, of 500 block of W. 111th St. They checked with the homeowner and discovered that Dudley had broken off the service door lock and plywood board-up covering the door, and took two boxed bar-b-q grills and the dolly cart from the garage. Charges approved for Burglary later that night.

On 29 Jan 08, Officers James Nichols and N. Meredith observed an offender exiting the rear of a house and jump into a waiting car at 10904 S Eggleston, carrying a laptop computer. They immediately called for an assist, and were met by Officers Raymond Wilke and Heather Scherr, the other officers from the beat meeting. One offender was detained and arrested, the victims identified their property, and charges were approved for Burglary. Offender #1 was Sean Morgan, M/20, of 11000 block of S Normal, . Offender #2 was a M/16 who initially made good his escape on foot, but was arrested at home the next day after his co-offender identified him. He was processed as a juvenile for residential burglary.  Turns out the juveniles name or possible nick name was mentioned after the beat meeting as being a possible offender and then he gets caught in the act.

Good work.  Stay Safe!

Cops for Kids

For 26 years the Chicago Police Department has supported Big Brothers and Big Sisters with the annual “Cops For Kids” bowling tournament. This years event will be held on Saturday, 23 February and Sunday 24 February 2008. This city wide bowling tradition helps to raise the needed funds for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of metropolitan Chicago. Big Brothers/Big Sisters is a nonprofit organization that offers adult supervision for children who come from single parent homes. The tournament will be held at the following locations:

Habetler Bowl    5250 Northwest Hwy.        Saturday, 0900 hours (32 lanes) & 1230 hours (32 lanes)

Fireside Bowl     3700 N. Western Ave.       Saturday, 1300 hours (40 lanes)

Diversey River Bowl  2211 W. Diversey       Saturday, 1300 hours (36 lanes)

Skyway Bowl      9915 S. Torrence Ave.       Saturday, 0900 hours (36 lanes)

Centennial Lanes 16050 Centennial Circle,    Tinley Park  Saturday 0900 hours (14 lanes)                                                                                        1230 hours (32 lanes)

Brunswick Zone 4700 W. 103rd St.     Oak Lawn Sunday, 1200 hours (40 lanes)

Habetler Bowl    5250 Northwest Hwy.        Saturday, 0900 hours (32 lanes) & 1230 hours (32 lanes)

Fireside Bowl     3700 N. Western Ave.       Saturday, 1300 hours (40 lanes)

Diversey River Bowl  2211 W. Diversey       Saturday, 1300 hours (36 lanes)

Skyway Bowl      9915 S. Torrence Ave.       Saturday, 0900 hours (36 lanes)

Centennial Lanes 16050 Centennial Circle,    Tinley Park  Saturday 0900 hours (14 lanes)                                                                                        1230 hours (32 lanes)

Brunswick Zone 4700 W. 103rd St.     Oak Lawn Sunday, 1200 hours (40 lanes)

For 26 years the Chicago Police Department has supported Big Brothers and Big Sisters with the annual “Cops For Kids” bowling tournament. This years event will be held on Saturday, 23 February and Sunday 24 February 2008. This city wide bowling tradition helps to raise the needed funds for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of metropolitan Chicago. Big Brothers/Big Sisters is a nonprofit organization that offers adult supervision for children who come from single parent homes. The tournament will be held at the following locations:

Habetler Bowl    5250 Northwest Hwy.        Saturday, 0900 hours (32 lanes) & 1230 hours (32 lanes)

Fireside Bowl     3700 N. Western Ave.       Saturday, 1300 hours (40 lanes)

Diversey River Bowl  2211 W. Diversey       Saturday, 1300 hours (36 lanes)

Skyway Bowl      9915 S. Torrence Ave.       Saturday, 0900 hours (36 lanes)

Centennial Lanes 16050 Centennial Circle,    Tinley Park  Saturday 0900 hours (14 lanes)                                                                                        1230 hours (32 lanes)

Brunswick Zone 4700 W. 103rd St.     Oak Lawn Sunday, 1200 hours (40 lanes)