An Update from the Alderman

The following is an except from Alderman Osterman's weekly newsletter in case you have not seen it.  They were working with the police and the Law Department last week to collect accurate information and determine what action would be taken.  The "known gang member" is the same person who was was the target when the young man was shot on Devon last summer.  

Last weekend, 31 individuals were arrested at 6319 N. Lakewood Ave. Police were present at the address around 11:20 pm. Friday as they initiated a traffic stop of a van parked in front. Shortly after, officers believed they heard shots coming from the alley. Subjects were observed running from the alley into the apartment building. After observing the individuals, believing they may be involved with the shots fired, officers attempted a follow-up during which the subjects refused to exit an apartment. Believing there was a weapon involved, officers requested SWAT assistance. The standoff ended several hours later. All 31 people involved have been charged with disorderly conduct.

 

One of the suspects in this incident is a known gang member from our area. He is currently in custody as a result of an outstanding warrant for an unrelated charge, and he has an extensive record with numerous arrests and convictions. I have spoken to the assistant state's attorney in charge of this case, and she will be reviewing all possible avenues to prosecute this individual to the fullest extent of the law.

 

The City's Law Department had an ongoing investigation at this location prior to this incident. The department will be filing new charges against this building and its owners on violations of drug and gang housing and building code ordinances. The first hearing related to this matter will be on June 11; we will pass along details as they become available. A full building inspection by the City will coincide with the police investigation. We will provide more information once the ongoing investigation concludes. We welcome neighbors and advocates to join us in court for this hearing.

 

If you have seen or heard anything that can aid the police in their investigation, please contact Area North Detectives at (312) 744-8263 or call my office. We will be following these cases in both criminal and housing court. If you are available for advocacy in either case, please contact Marko Zaric in my office at Marko@48thward.org (mailto:Marko@48thward.org) or 773-784-5277