The Elmhurst Police Department recently reported the following arrests and citations. Readers are reminded that an arrest does not constitute a conviction, and that subjects are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Juveniles age 17-or-younger are not named.
Battery
July 20
Police said officers responded to the report of a possible battery in the 900 block of S. York at around 12:18 a.m. A victim told police she believed a man had a shopping cart which hit her vehicle. She confronted him and reports that he threw her to the ground. A witness reports seeing the victim get pushed after engaging a male at his vehicle. The unknown suspect left the area prior to an officer’s arrival.
Criminal damage or defacement to property/criminal damage to a vehicle/criminal trespass to property/criminal trespass to a vehicle/damage to city property/damage to property
July 26
Officers responded to the 200 block of Oakland Grove at around 11:47 p.m. after an unknown male suspect around 5’9″, wearing a hooded sweatshirt and black shorts was observed striking an electrical lamp post in a victim’s yard with a stick, causing damage to the post. Damage also was found on a lamp post also in the 200 block of Oakland Grove at around 1:58 a.m. July 27. The area was checked for the suspect with no results.
July 23
A victim near Walnut and Emery told police at around 9:27 p.m. that a suspect had intentionally hit the rear driver’s side of her vehicle. The victim reported that she had an argument with the suspect earlier in the day and believes that is the reason he hit her vehicle. The victim refused to pursue the matter and did not wish to sign complaints.
July 19-July 20
A victim in the 500 block of S. Saylor Ave. told police that between the above dates, an unknown suspect scratched the driver’s side door of his vehicle while it was parked at the above location.
Disorderly conduct, disturbance, trespass notice
July 26
Officers responded to a disturbance in the 900 block of N. York at around 4:40 p.m. A victim told police he borrowed $20 from a suspect a few days ago. The suspect came to the victim’s parent’s residence to collect the money unexpectedly on the above date which caused a disturbance. The victim’s parents requested that the suspect be served a no-trespass notice. The suspect was advised that if he returned, he would be arrested for trespassing.
July 24
Upon arrival at an establishment in the 100 block of N. Addison at around 1:15 a.m., police said officers made contact with a complainant who stated that a suspect came in demanding his wallet be returned after he lost it. The complainant told the suspect he did not have his wallet; that is when the suspect reportedly began yelling at the complainant and other staff. The suspect was asked to leave and was transported to his residence.
July 23
Jose Espinoza, 32, of Northlake, was charged with disorderly conduct at a gas station in the 400 block of N. York at around 2:32 a.m. Police said Espinoza was yelling and threatening to fight the clerk.
Domestic incident, domestic battery
July 24
A victim told officers at around 8:14 p.m. that a juvenile suspect chased her through the house, grabbed her arm and pushed her into the sofa. The suspect then reportedly kicked the victim in the stomach and threatened to punch her and her grandmother. The suspect was placed into custody and transported to the police station, where he was released to his parents.
July 23
• Police said that subsequent to a 911 call from a third party for a woman yelling “Help” in the 500 block of W. Grand at around 3:33 a.m., two suspects were located in the area of the call. One of the suspects was found with visible injuries to his head, back and arms. The other suspect did not exhibit any injuries. Both parties were separated and provided conflicting statements. No arrests were made and the parties were separated for the night.
• A suspect in the 400 block of S. Argyle told police at around 4:29 a.m. that she had gotten into a verbal argument with her boyfriend over text messages being sent to him by his ex-girlfriend. The suspect allowed the victim to check her phone at which point he refused to give it back. The suspect then allegedly struck the victim in the face in self defense and he grabbed her hand. The victim had left the scene prior to an officer’s arrival. An officer made contact with the victim who was very uncooperative and refused to come to the police station for a follow-up on an interview. The victim stated he would not file a complaint.
DUI, DUI-drugs, illegal consumption or possession of alcohol by a minor, illegal transportation of open alcohol, illegal possession of open alcohol, possession of a controlled substance, delivery of a controlled substance
July 26
• Rachael Clark, 18, of Villa Park, was issued a citation for possession of alcohol by a minor subsequent to a traffic stop near Lake and York at around 9:05 p.m.
• John C. Romanelli, 52, of West Seneca, N.Y., was charged with DUI near York and Lake Street at around 7:38 p.m. Police said that subsequent to a citizen reporting a possible intoxicated driver, Romanelli’s vehicle was located and stopped. The driver was found to be intoxicated and provided a breath sample, according to police.
July 25
Police said an officer responded for a domestic call at around 10:08 a.m. from an intoxicated juvenile female who was running from the emergency room of Elmhurst Hospital. The suspect was located and was reportedly uncooperative with officers. Medics arrived at the scene and transported the female to Elmhurst Hospital where she had to be restrained in an isolation room. The suspect was charged with consumption of alcohol by a minor, possession of alcohol by a minor and released to her mother at the hospital.
July 23
• Alfonso Ibarez, 47, of Bensenville, was charged with aggravated DUI, DUI, driving while license suspended, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle and improper lane usage subsequent to a traffic stop near Route 83 and St. Charles at around 2:19 a.m.
• Police said a complainant in the 600 block of S. Saylor Ave. stated that William Reich, 18, of Elmhurst, and a juvenile suspect were smoking cannabis in the backyard of a residence in the above location. The homeowners were out of town and advised that the suspects did not have permission to be on their property, according to police. Police said a search of their vehicle yielded a black bag containing two unopened bottles of beer. Reich was issued a citation for possession of alcohol by a minor. The other suspect was released to his father pending charges.
July 21
Police said officers responded to the report of a man slumped over the wheel of a vehicle near York and Second at around 9:47 p.m. Floriberto Lara, 50, of Chicago, was located and found to be intoxicated, according to police. He was charged with DUI, illegal transportation of alcohol and being improperly parked on the roadway.
July 20
• Ricardo Diaz, 45, of Melrose Park, was charged with DUI and improper lane usage subsequent to a traffic stop near West Avenue and First Street at around 5:26 p.m.
• Margo Pishos, 66, of Schiller Park, was charged with DUI and improper lane usage subsequent to a traffic stop near Grand and Crown at around 2:11 p.m.
• Vincente N. Moreno, 28, of Addison, was charged with DUI, speeding and improper lane usage subsequent to a traffic stop near Lake and Erie at around 1:04 a.m. Cindy Solis, 25, of Addison, a passenger in the vehicle, allegedly spit on an officer after she was advised that she was free to leave. Police said Solis was taken into custody, where she resisted. Solis was charged with aggravated assault/resisting.
Harassment, threats
July 23-July 24
A victim in the 600 block of N. Oaklawn told police at around 1:30 p.m. that between the above dates, she had received some disturbing text messages from unknown numbers, which she suspects might be from relatives as her brother is going through a divorce.
Missing person
July 23
A complainant told police at around 11:43 a.m. that her daughter picked up her paycheck at around 12 noon on July 22 and has not returned home. The victim told her mother she was going out and left with a male. The complainant had some phone contact with the victim throughout the night but she never returned home. The victim was entered into LEADS as missing.
Obstructing identification
July 21
Police said the subsequent to a traffic stop near York and Crestview at around 10:10 p.m., Samuel Olaughlin, 20, of Elmhurst, gave a false name. His name was located and he was found to be wanted out of Kendall County, according to police. He was charged with obstructing identification.
Possession of cannabis, drug paraphernalia, controlled substance
July 25
• Police said a vehicle was observed parked in the middle of Arlington near St. Charles at around 12:40 a.m. with someone walking back to the vehicle away from a house that is under construction. The vehicle was stopped and a strong odor of cannabis was coming from the vehicle, according to police. Police said Samantha L. Flesch, 18, of Elmhurst, stated that she stopped to pick up rocks out of the yard. A small cannabis cigar was located inside the glove compartment, police said. Flesch was issued a citation for possession of cannabis.
• Police said that subsequent to a call concerning suspicious persons going into the wooded area near Stratford and South Street, six juveniles were located and immediately took off on foot when police presence was announced. The juveniles left behind one set of car keys, one cell phone, two full cans of beer and one cigar wrapper reportedly filled with a green, leafy substance suspected to be cannabis. All of the juveniles were identified and all their parents were contacted. All of the juveniles will be given peer jury notices.
• Police said that subsequent to a suspicious vehicle near South and Poplar at around 10:30 p.m., a suspect was found to be in possession of cannabis, drug paraphernalia and numerous white unmarked capsules containing an unknown white powdery substance. The suspect was released on the scene pending lab results.
July 21
Yesica Vigil, 19, of Bensenville, was issued citations for possession of cannabis, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving without headlights subsequent to a traffic stop near Crestview and Michigan at around 12:37 a.m.
July 20
Mujtaba Asif, 21, of Lombard, was charged with possession of cannabis and driving while license revoked subsequent to a suspicious vehicle in the 500 block of W. Belden at around 7:29 p.m.
Suspicious circumstances
July 26
Police said a group of victims were approached by a suspect who offered them a sports drink while they were practicing softball at a school in the 100 block of W. Butterfield at around 4:59 p.m. They accepted the drink and went home, told a parent and at that point, the police were called. The suspect was spoken to about the incident. He understood his behavior (i.e., being an adult male speaking to young girls) was considered suspicious.
July 24
Police said staff at the Elmhurst Public Library smelled an odor of an alcoholic beverage on the first floor. Upon reviewing surveillance cameras, four male juveniles were observed inside a stairwell, and one of the juveniles was observed consuming a can of beer, according to police. Police said all of the juveniles appeared to be approximately 15 years old. Further investigation is pending.
Theft/burglary/attempted theft or burglary/identity theft/fraud/forgery/deceptive practice/obstruction/robbery
July 24
Police said an officer responded to a business in the 100 block of N. York at around 2:25 p.m. for a retail theft where two of the juvenile suspects had left the scene. When a complainant made contact with the suspects, two of the suspects fled the scene and the third juvenile suspect stayed. The third suspect stated his friend had stolen a card game. All suspects were taken to the police station and released to their parents. One of the suspects was schedule for a peer jury; the other two were released without charges.
July 22-July 24
A complainant told police at around 9:34 a.m. that an unknown suspect(s) stole gas from the Elm Lawn Cemetery business gas tank sometime between the above dates. The hose from the nozzle appeared to have been cut off and inserted separately into an access point on top of the tank.
July 3-July 23
A victim in the 200 block of S. York told police at around 7:35 a.m. that while on vacation, she left her vehicle, which she believes was locked parked in the driveway. An unknown suspect(s) attempted to remove her steering wheel club from the vehicle. The club had pry marks on one end as well as the key slot, possibly causing damage to the internal lock, causing it to not open. No force entry was observed on the vehicle.
July 22
• Police said officers responded to the report of a retail theft that had just occurred at a convenience store in the 500 block of S. Spring at around 12:33 a.m., and Victoria Oropeza, 19, and Ernesto Delagarza, 29, both of Chicago, were located near St. Charles and I-290 where a traffic stop was performed. Police said Oropeza was found to have taken alcohol and left without paying. She was charged with retail theft and consumption of alcohol by a minor. According to police, Delagarza was found to be in possession of cannabis and charged with possession of cannabis, possession of drug paraphernalia and open alcohol. A third suspect was in possession of suspect Adderall® and Ecstasy and was released without charges pending lab results.
• Burglary to a vehicle was reported in the 600 block of N. York at around 1:22 p.m. A victim told police that while she was inside a health club, an unknown suspect(s) smashed out the side window of her vehicle and stole a bag left in plain view on the passenger seat. An investigation is pending.
• Theft was reported at a store in the 200 block of E. Butterfield at around 5:07 p.m. A victim told police that he entered the store to purchase cigarettes and placed $7 on the counter, which was not enough to purchase a pack. He left the money there while he went to his vehicle to get more, and while on his way back, he encountered a suspect described as a white male with blond hair wearing a blue Cubs jersey and white shorts who seemed to be intoxicated and who seemed to be exiting the establishment. The employee was certain this individual stole the $7 but didn’t actually see him take it. The suspect left the area in a white Toyota or Lexus.
• A victim in the 100 block of Virginia told police at around 7:13 p.m. that an unknown suspect entered the apartment in which she is staying and took her Samsung Galaxy phone. The victim believes the suspect took it as he has told her in the past he was going to take it. An investigation is pending.
July 21
• A victim in the 600 block of W. North Ave. told police at around 11:45 a.m. that he set his wallet down on a desk in one part of a store and forgot it. Ten minutes later, he realized he was without his wallet. He checked the area, but it was gone. The wallet contained cash, a driver’s license and credit cards.
• A victim in the 100 block of S. Lawndale told police at around 10:50 a.m. that he was contacted by American Airlines informing him that an unknown suspect(s) used 55,000 miles, worth $1,100, to purchase two one-way tickets from Miami to Las Vegas. The airlines has created a new account for the victim and cancelled the compromised account.
July 20
• Michael Bergheger, 18, of Elmhurst, was charged with retail theft, possession of alcohol and consumption of alcohol at a food store/pharmacy in the 100 block of E. Schiller St. at around 4:20 p.m. Police said officers who arrived on the scene were advised that Bergheger had concealed two bottles of alcohol on his person. According to police, he was confronted by an employee and immediately relinquished the alcohol to the employee, who then walked him out to officers.
• Retail theft was reported at a store in the 300 block of S. Route 83 at around 4:16 p.m. Police said juvenile Suspect 2 took numerous items and attempted to leave the store without paying while juvenile Suspect 1 attempted to make a purchase at the register. Both admitted to placing items inside the bag that Suspect 2 attempted to take without paying, according to police. The second suspect was cited for retail theft and released to a parent; the first suspect was referred to a peer jury.
• A victim at a recreational center in the 200 block of W. First told police at around 9:47 p.m. that an unknown suspect took his cell phone while he was playing basketball. The cell phone was called and an unknown male answered, stating he found the phone but refused to identify himself. He stated that he would return the phone at a restaurant near North Avenue and Mannheim. An officer went to the location and was unable to locate anyone. Further investigation is pending.
• Police said that victims entered a building to their residence in the 1000 block of S. Euclid at around 2:30 p.m. According to police, two suspects-one described as a possible Hispanic male around 6-foot, 200 pounds, muscular and wearing dark clothing, and the other described as a man with a light complexion, a slim build and wearing a white shirt with brown shorts-were walking into the building and stated they were on the premises for maintenance. The suspects reportedly asked the victims for their room number and later came to their apartment, stating they were there to check the water pressure. The two suspects were in the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. On July 21, the victims noticed an envelope containing cash was missing. One of the victim’s necklaces also was missing.
July 19
• A complainant at a car rental company in the 800 block of N. York told police at around 8:29 a.m. that an unknown suspect(s) stole a white box truck from their lot after it was returned by a customer. The truck was recovered in Chicago and found that the hood had been removed.
• A victim in the 800 block of S. Linden told police at around 1:24 p.m. that she is missing a bottle of Norco which contained 50 pills. She stated that the suspect was at her house the night before and had been talking about the medication. The victim stated that the bottle is now gone. She contacted the suspect who denied taking the medication.
July 17
A victim in the 400 block of W. Wrightwood Ave. told police at around 10:05 a.m. that she was notified by her bank that an unknown suspect(s) have created fraudulent checks using the business account information and have attempted to cash these checks. The business is not out any money and has been in contact with their bank regarding the fraudulent checks.
July 16
Identity theft was reported in the 500 block of S. York at around 3:55 p.m. A victim told police she was notified by her bank that her debit card was used at the above location and time. Cash was removed from her account while she was still in possession of her card. The victim was directed by her bank to file a police report.
July 15
A victim at a currency exchange in the 600 block of W. North Ave. told police at around 12:17 p.m. that a suspect cashed a check from a company and the check was returned as counterfeit. The business owner told an officer that the suspect has been cashing the company’s checks without permission. The victim was advised to call 911 if the suspect returns.
July 14-July 18
An officer was called to the 200 block of S. Berkley Ave. at around 12 noon for the report of a delayed burglary to a vehicle. A victim told police that someone gained entry to her vehicle and took a black leather backpack out of it. This contained electronic equipment valued at approximately $340, prescription bottles Adderall and Wellbutrin valued at $17.93 and four credit cards which were all cancelled. No suspect information was available.
July 10-July 14
A victim in the 100 block of W. Virginia told police at around 9:36 p.m. that her Alcatel tablet had been lost or stolen between the above dates. She stated that she had been drinking heavily over the past several weeks and is not sure when it was taken. She believes a suspect may have taken it. Further investigation is pending.
Unlawful use of a weapon
July 26
Timothy Erne, 42, of Streamwood, was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, aggravated DUI, unlawful use of a weapon, obstructing a police officer, aggravated driving while license revoked, revoked registration and improper use of registration near York and Crestview at around 11:53 p.m. Police said officers responded to assist DuPage County with Erne, who fled from a single vehicle crash. Erne was located and taken into custody. According to police, Erne was in possession of .6 grams of cocaine and metal knuckles, and was found to be DUI.
Warrant arrest
July 20
Police said Barry Hartmann, 63, of Elmhurst, was taken into custody after it was learned he was wanted out of Pierce County, Wash. He was charged with being a fugitive from justice.
