Park Forest, IL-(ENEWSPF)- Editor’s Note: These Park Forest Police blotter reports cover May 20 through May 25, 2018. These reports include charges of battery, domestic battery, retail theft, and and “actual physical control of a motor vehicle while license was suspended.”
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eNews Park Forest reports this information because the public in the United States has the right to know. When that information is withheld or under-reported, it leaves questions. We also want to show the work that the police force does every day that is not reported. Police in Park Forest respond to thousands of calls per year, the vast majority of which do not entail arrests. Whether it’s conducting a routine investigation, pulling over a drunk driver, or responding to a possible theft at a store, the work of the police officer deserves acknowledgement by the public.
eNews Park Forest has always published addresses of those arrested and will continue to do so. 5 ILCS 140/2.15 states that the governmental body (for these reports, the Police Department), shall release information on those who have been charged, including their name, age, and address. This information is necessary to ensure the proper identity of those arrested.
An arrest does not mean that a person is guilty. All those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty. It is the policy of eNews Park Forest to not remove items in the public record from publication. If your name is listed in the police reports, we will only add information relevant to the final disposition of the case at hand, e.g. “Mr. Smith was subsequently acquitted,” “Mr. Smith entered a guilty plea,” or “All charges against Mr. Smith were subsequently dropped.” We will do so upon receiving and verifying proof of such disposition.
Persons wishing to leave anonymous information on any criminal matters including narcotics or gang activity are encouraged to call the Park Forest Police Department Investigations Division at (708) 748-1309.
Domestic Battery
Jason J. Sands, 25, 256 Ash St., Park Forest, was arrested on May 20 and charged with domestic battery and criminal damage to property after police responded to the 200 block of Ash Street in response to a report of domestic abuse in progress.
When officers arrived, they noticed two men lying in the front yard in the grass screaming in pain, according to police. Officers noticed a silver metal pole and broken windshield wiper blades lying in the grass next to one of the men.
According to the report, Mr. Sands asked to use a cell phone and became angry when the owner of the cell phone asked that it be returned. Mr. Sands did not want to return the cell phone, according to the report, ran outside and allegedly threw a metal garbage can at the window of the residence. A man went outside to confront Mr. Sands, and Mr. Sands allegedly picked up a metal pole and struck the man on the face, back, arms, legs, and chest, according to police. Mr. Sands then went to a vehicle and allegedly broke off the car’s windshield wipers, using the windshield wipers to strike the vehicle, according to police.
One of the injured men had bruising to the left and right shins, a swollen right eye, a bite mark on his stomach, abrasions to his left and right forearms, and abrasions to both hands, according to police.
Retail Theft
Mercedes R. Fleming, 25, 759 Burr Oak Ln., University Park, was arrested on May 23 and charged with retail theft and obstructing identification after officers were dispatched to a business in the 100 block of South Orchard Drive to investigate a report of retail theft.
Another woman, Lyneria D. Deere, 54, 1417 Emerald Ave., Chicago Heights, and a teenager, Shacora L. Nardi, 18, 2106 217th Pl., Sauk Village, were also arrested and charged with retail theft.
According to police, a store manager observed the women taking clothing items in the store and carrying them away two different aisles. The manager then observed Ms. Deere allegedly exit the store with the others while carrying a large Burlington shopping bag strapped on her shoulder. None of the three had a shopping bag when they entered the store, according to police.
Police gathered video evidence from the store. According to police, Ms. Fleming allegedly identified herself to police using a different name.
Battery
Anita M. Carter, 50, 3336 Western Ave., Park Forest, was arrested on May 23 and charged with battery when police were dispatched to a business in the first block of Main Street to investigate a report of a customer dispute. Upon arrival, an officer spoke with the complainant who works as a customer service clerk. The complainant was standing in the aisle of the store when a woman, later identified as Ms. Carter, allegedly pushed her from behind, causing pain in her back and chest area, according to police.
Domestic Battery
Rashid I. Davis, 23, 210 Grant St., Park Forest, was arrested on May 24 and charged with domestic battery when police responded to the 200 block of Grant Street to investigate a report of battery. When police arrived, they observed a pair of white shoes being thrown onto the ground from inside a garage. The garage door opened and an officer observed a man, later identified as Mr. Davis,and the alleged victim, who was crying, according to police.
Battery
Jaylin J. Colvin, 18, 22107 Millard Ave., Richton Park, was arrested on May 24 and charged with battery, obstructing, and resisting, when police responded to the 200 block of Rich Road to investigate a report of a juvenile disturbance. Jamal L. Cooper, 22, 195 Washington St., Park Forest, was also arrested and charged with disorderly conduct.
Prior to arrival, a school liaison officer advised that a group of juveniles were running in and out of traffic and a man, later identified as Mr. Cooper, was allegedly throwing water balloons at vehicles as they drove past.
Trespassing
Jymere M. Edwards, 22, 4 Rocket Circle West, Park Forest, was arrested on May 24 and charged with trespassing when police responded to the 200 block of Green Street to investigate a report of a suspicious subject. The caller advised that the man, later identified as Mr. Edwards, was in the backyard of a residence and was not supposed to be there, according to police. The responding officer learned that after a previous incident on May 5, 2018, Mr. Edwards was told by officers that if he returned to that residence he would be arrested on suspicion of trespassing.
“Actual Physical Control of a Motor Vehicle While License Was Suspended”
Steven B. Gentry Jr., 22, 800 Cedar Ridge Ln. #104, Richton Park, was arrested on May 25 and charged with possession of cannabis, 30-100 grams, and actual physical control of a motor vehicle while license was suspended after police were dispatched to the area of Blackhawk Drive and Shabbona Drive on a report of a possible fight.
Mr. Gentry was also issued a municipal citation charging gambling.
When officers arrived in the area, they did not observe any subjects in the vicinity. Moments later, dispatch received an additional 911 call reporting a disturbance in the 200 block of Blackhawk Drive. Police discovered a vehicle running with its headlights and taillights on. The officer activated his emergency lights and conducted an investigative stop on the vehicle and the subjects inside. Other officers arrived to assist.
The responding officer observed that the driver, Mr. Gentry, had a small cut on the left side of his neck and was also bleeding from his mouth. The officer noticed a strong odor of fresh cannabis emanating from the vehicle as he spoke with Mr. Gentry.
Both occupants in the vehicle told police that they were “play fighting” with a friend.
While speaking with Mr. Gentry, an officer observed, in plain view, a clear plastic sandwich bag containing a green leafy substance, suspect cannabis, on the rear floor of the vehicle. The officer learned that the vehicle is registered to Mr. Gentry and that his driver’s license was suspended.
Police also discovered a large amount of loose currency in the pocket of the driver side door. Mr. Gentry and the passenger in the vehicle said that they had been gambling. Police recovered $1,104 total and placed it into evidence on suspicion of gambling.
The passenger in the vehicle was released without charges.
