On October 16, at approximately 1 p.m., investigators were checking a report of suspicious activity at the Pilot Truck Plaza on Monee-Manhattan Road. As officers were making contact with numerous subjects, including 28-year-old Quincy Onalaja, of South Holland, to inquire about their reason for being on the property, Onalaja decided the conversation was not going well for him and bolted toward a small wooded area off I-57. It was a short run, as officers took him into custody. Onalaja quickly was associated with the eight stolen commercial gas cards that were lying next to him in the ditch. The cards were tied to at least $3,500 in fraudulent gasoline purchases. He was charged with use of a forged credit card, identity theft, theft with intent, and obstructing a peace officer. He was processed and transported to Will County.
On October 18, at approximately 9:08 p.m., an attempted traffic stop on Monee-Manhattan Road led to a short pursuit when the souped-up Ford F150 fled at more than 100-mph. The truck entered the I-57 ramp, and officers terminated due to the extreme danger of the suspect’s vehicle operation. On October 19, investigators followed up and identified the vehicle belonging to a man in Oak Forest. The truck was located by Oak Forest PD and impounded by MPD, pending investigation.
On October 20, at 9:35 p.m., a traffic stop resulted in the arrest of Donnie Woods, 26, of Park Forest, for driving while suspended and speeding. He was processed and released.
On October 23, at approximately 11:45 a.m., officers took a report from an elderly Monee resident who had been scammed out of $900. The victim had received a text concerning a Ticketmaster purchase she had not made. The text evolved into a phone call from a credit card representative, who had the victim send money for coverage on a new credit card.
Whether it’s email, a phone call, or postal, don’t give money to anyone you haven’t verified. Police receive calls regularly asking us to verify emails or texts. We can’t do that, but we will give you directions on how to verify the company you are dealing with. Legitimate companies don’t call you and ask for personal information. Legitimate companies don’t ask you to transfer funds, purchase gift cards, or buy Bitcoin! Please ask someone you trust to help you before you lose your hard-earned savings to some criminal in Romania…
On October 23, at approximately 1:30 p.m., a Florida truck driver trying to make his way down Court Street, ended up being cited for a suspended Florida CDL and violation of local weight restrictions. Rodric Fontaine Baker, 47, of Winter Haven, was processed and released.
On October 23, at approximately 4:20 p.m., officers took a theft report from a Sadorus, Illinois, woman at the Petro Truck Center on Monee-Manhattan Road. The victim reported her wallet was taken from her car while parked at one of the gas pumps. Cash, multiple credit cards, and ID were in the wallet. Investigations is following up.
On October 25, at approximately 3 p.m., a Grant Park woman was trying to help her daughter and left her purse near the porch on Winged Foot Drive. Unfortunately, some passerby decided to take the purse with them, including identification, cash, and cards. Any one who may have witnessed this felonious behavior is encouraged to contact MPD.
Do you have information about a crime, or have you witnessed suspicious activity? Are you a victim, or do you know someone who needs assistance? Don’t stand on the sidelines! Don’t be a victim! Call MPD at 708-534-8308 or email moneepolice@villageofmonee.org.