Top crime news

Car engulfed in flames leads to arson investigation

On Sept. 24, police said that subsequent to a call for a vehicle fire at Elm Lawn Cemetery in the 400 block of E. Lake at around 12:49 a.m., a vehicle was found to be fully engulfed in flames and appeared to have been burning for a while. The owner of the vehicle was contacted and related she noticed the vehicle missing at approximately 12:30 a.m., but did not report it stolen to Melrose Park Police Department, where she lived. The keys were in the vehicle and it was left unlocked. Melrose Park police responded to the victim’s residence and initiated a vehicle theft report.

Youth charged with battery after alleged altercation at skatepark

On Sept. 30, while at the skate park in the 600 block of S. York at around 4:21 p.m., a juvenile suspect reportedly became aggressive towards a victim, taking candy out of his backpack and passing it out to his friends. When the victim attempted to retrieve his backpack from the suspect, the suspect threw the victim to the ground, causing injury. The suspect was cited for battery and released to his parents.

Hacker enters 7th grade zoom meeting, types vulgar statement

On Sept.  23, a reporting officer met with the principal of a school in the 100 block of W. Butterfield who stated during a seventh-grade gym class Zoom meeting, there was an unknown suspect who gained access into the meeting and typed a vulgar statement. This case is pending investigation.