Dispatch from Beat 1432/33 CAPS Meeting
By chicago-pipeline at June 21, 2012 | 11:02 pm | Print
A spike in robberies and burglaries, as well as a drug bust which occurred earlier today on the 1200 block of N. Greenview were among the many topics touched on at this evening’s Beats 1432/1433 CAPS meeting in the basement of St. Mary of the Angel’s Church, 1850 W. Hermitage.
Sixteen residents, seven police officers, and two CAPS volunteer facilitators participated in the meeting. (At the request of Officer Luna, who said, “Ma’am, please no photography,” we leave readers only with a sketch).
In the period between April 19th-June 21st, there were 35 arrests in Beat 1432 and 33 in Beat 1433.
Among the highlights:
Earlier today, June 21st, 14th District Officers, acting on a search warrant for a property on the 1200 block of N. Greenview, turned up 147 grams of cocaine and 40 grams of cannabis.
On the evening of Thurs. April 26th, an illegal rave was busted on the 2300 block of North Seeley in Bucktown. Prior to this incident, the owner of the condo had received five cease-and-desist orders from the Dept. of Business Affairs, according to Sgt. Joseph Giambrone.
On the evening of June 10th, 14th District Officers were trying to assist a bleeding man on the sidewalk near Armitage and Western (by Arturo’s and Lazo’s) yet instead of reaching the victim, the officers were pushed by the man’s friends. Two men were then charged with aggravated assault of an officer.
Other arrests include two domestic batteries, one stalking at Holstein Park, two possession of controlled substances, 14 instances of retail theft (mainly on Elston), and six graffiti arrests.
In Beat 1433 alone, there were seven robberies with firearms over the period.
The most recent armed robbery occurred early today, around 12:30AM. The victim was walking in an alley along Cortland and Paulina by herself, according to Giambrone, who said, “It is never the victim’s fault, but I can’t stress this enough, do not walk in alleys, or alone. Even if you’re a block away, if it’s late and you’re alone, spend the $5 and take a cab.”
In another recent case, the victim was robbed on the 1200 block of North Ashland, near Blackhawk, while walking alone at 2AM.
The offenders in today’s robbery were described by the victim as three African American males, between the ages of 15 and 22, around 6’0. The victim was able to distinguish a gray Mazda SUV, and a silver handgun.
As was the case with last night’s Beat 1434 meeting, it was again stressed that potential victims give up their valuables rather than put up a fight. For those who have iPhones, Giambrone suggested that they install the ‘Where’s My Phone App?’ as officers have been successful in recovering stolen phones by tracking down a thief’s whereabouts through the GPS technology.
“Aside from robberies spiking, there’s been some burglaries,” Giambrone said, cautioning that “they’ll come through the fire escape” and to leave your windows closed when you’re away, even if you’d like to leave them open for your pets.
Activity on the Bloomingdale Trail was again brought up by residents like two gentlemen who live in a condo complex alongside the trail near Churchill Park. They’d looked out their window to see two “rail riders” sleeping on the trail. As was the case with last night’s meeting, police suggested that witnesses call 911 and provide the cross street to Bloomingdale as well as clothing, description, and the direction suspects may be traveling. While the embankment is still owned by Canadian Pacific, Chicago police are able to access and make arrests on the property.
Other new business included the renewal of the Riptide Lounge’s (1745 W Armitage) 4AM liquor license. Kerri Stojack was present from the 32nd Ward office. Any 32nd Ward residents living within 250 feet of the Riptide Lounge are invited to comment on the renewal. Facilitator Elizabeth Rios also requested additional court advocates to attend trials for misdemeanors in the neighborhood. Interested residents should contact Officer Sonia Moriarty at sonia.moriarty@chicagopolice.
The next combined Beat 1432/33 meeting will take place on Thursday, August 16th at 7pM.
Free bike headlights will be given away on Wed. June 27th at Six Corners (Milw/Damen/North) by Police and Alderman Waguespack.
Would you like to volunteer to assist the pipeline in reporting on CAPS meetings? Please send us an email through our ‘Contact Us’ page or call 773-960-3997. It takes a community to report on one and we thank you in advance for your assistance.
