Evergreen Park police honored for firearm arrests

By Joe Boyle

Commendations were presented to members of the Evergreen Park Police Department for arresting offenders in three incidents involving firearms.

The first incident took place at 95th and Western at Walmart on May 8. A gunman tried to carjack a vehicle with a 3-month-old baby in it from the parking lot.

Police responded to the scene quickly. Three adults were charged with various felonies, including possession of a stolen vehicle, attempted vehicular hijacking, unlawful use of a weapon, vehicular invasion and resisting arrest.

“Officers risked their safety to apprehend armed and dangerous repeat offenders that contained a potentially deadly situation that protected the lives of innocent people and children present. And a 3-month-old baby,” said Mayor Kelly Burke during the Evergreen Park Village Board meeting Monday night.

Officers O’Connor, Keller, Duffin, Flores, Foran, Ortiz, Wantroba, Sarno and Stumpe were involved in the arrest, along with Sgt. Salazar, detectives Arroyos, Brakowski and Truell, and tactical officers Phillips and Vos.

Commendations were presented to officers for arresting an individual who was at OSF Little Company of Mary Medical Center on June 2, charging her with aggravated assault involving a handgun.

A bed-ridden patient was assaulted by his girlfriend with a firearm, according to police. After a vehicle chase, the girlfriend was apprehended. Police recovered a loaded firearm and the female subject was charged with a felony count of aggravated unlawful use of a firearm and one misdemeanor charge of aggravated assault.

“Officers conducted the arrest at minimal risk to the public and stopped a threat of intended violence to a bed-ridden victim in a crowded hospital environment,” Burke said.

The officers involved in the arrest were Bavone, Lazinek, Cervantes and Lehnhardt, detectives Arroyo and Brakowski, and Lt. Soso and Sgt. Switalski.

The third incident occurred on June 8 at 94th and Sawyer and the arrest took place with the assistance of the Flock Safety License Plate Reader Cameras.

Four female occupants were detained at that location — two adults and two juveniles. A backpack contained cannabis, a loaded Glock 23 semi-automatic pistol and various stolen personal property items, including a U.S. Postal service key illegally obtained, according to police.

One of the females grabbed the backpack and fled while handcuffed, according to police. Officer Smiley pursued her on foot and apprehended her.

Appropriate charges were filed on the juveniles and one of the adults was charged with one felony count possession of fraudulent identification, police said.

“Commendations to EPPD Officer Smiley on the recovery of the stolen vehicle, stolen firearms and the confiscation of illegal drugs intended for distribution indicates the immense danger these individuals presented to society and the general public in this jurisdiction,” Burke said.

“God bless them, these policemen,” said Trustee Carol Kyle, to much applause.

Burke could not agree more.

“This is not the only good work these officers do,” Burke said. “They do these things that stand out. But they do this day in and day out.”

Several ordinances were approved at the board meeting, including an amendment to Chapter 4 to the village’s animal code. Burke said complaints have been brought up to the village of late regarding dogs running loose.

But Burke pointed out that could include cats. A dangerous animal is defined by the village as any animal, without provocation, attacking or injuring a person who is acting peacefully. A large dog or particular animal over 40 pounds, could be fined a greater amount of money for a violation.

A smaller dog or a particular animal under 40 pounds would also include a fine but not as excessive as a large animal.

Some adjustments will be made for short-term housing. The new ordinance states that it will be unlawful for any person to enter into an agreement providing for a short-term housing rental.

A business permit was approved for WashU Carwash, 3501 W. 95th St. The previous owner will be allowed to operate Evergreen Car Wash, 3345 W. 95th St.

The special use for Evergreen Car Wash is required because of a vehicle detail shop is not permitted in the “C” commercial district. The Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct a public hearing at Village Hall at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 11, on the request for a special use to permit the operation of a vehicle detail shop.

Burke also thanked the fire department for a successful Children’s and Seniors Health event last week at the fire house.

The Neverly Brothers will perform from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 9, at Klein Park, 9700 S. Homan Ave. A paper shred event will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday, July 13, during the Evergreen Park Farmers Market at Yukich Field, 8900 S. Kedzie Ave.

The Green Unplugged event will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 14, at the driving range, 9100 S. Rockwell. The food truck event will be held from 8 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 27, at Klein Park.

The board approved a business license for J Crew Factory, 9610 S. Western Ave., retail clothing sales shop along the Evergreen Plaza.

“We are excited to bring them here,” Burke said.

Boye Janitorial Service, 3830 W. 95th St., Suite 110, was approved by 6-0 margin. The business is a janitorial service for industrial and commercial.

A name change was approved for a law firm, which will now be called Odelson, Murphey, Frazier & McGrath, 3318 W. 95th St.

Another law office, Pennix Law, 3450 W. 95th St., was also approved by a 6-0 margin.