Forest Park’s K-9 unit had a busy week
Archie D. Strong, 42, of Chicago was charged, about 2:52 p.m., March 8, with the delivery of over 30 grams of marijuana and other charges after his vehicle was stopped at Roosevelt Road and Circle Avenue. According to police, Strong was pulled over for crossing the double yellow line on Roosevelt Road while talking on a cellphone. Police smelled the odor of marijuana from the vehicle and said Strong admitted to smoking it earlier.
A search of Strong’s name reportedly showed he was previously on parole and a documented gang member. Police said Strong consented to a search of his person and they found two bundles of cash in his pocket. Police requested a K-9 officer because Strong would not consent to a search of his vehicle. The K-9 unit allegedly alerted police and the subsequent search revealed a box containing suspected marijuana in the vehicle’s rear cargo area. Police also found four cellphones and reported that the recovered marijuana totaled 88 grams. They also seized a total of $705 in cash.
Strong was additionally charged with driving while using an electronic device, possession of drug equipment, endangering the life or health of a child, and possession of more than 30 grams of marijuana. The charge of child endangerment was added because Strong reportedly had a minor in the vehicle with him.
Thomas J. Greco, 22, of Bensenville was charged with delivery of marijuana around 4 p.m. on March 12 after the vehicle he was driving was stopped by police at Roosevelt Road and First Avenue. Police said they stopped Greco after he was seen texting while driving. A K-9 officer was called to the scene to investigate the smell of marijuana and alerted police to the vehicle’s center console. Police recovered two bags of suspected marijuana totaling 240 grams. Greco was additionally charged with possession of more than 30 grams of marijuana and issued a ticket for using an electronic device while driving.
Vehicles stolen
A 2006 Chevrolet Impala was reported stolen at 2:01 a.m., March 10, after it was left running in the parking lot of McDonald’s, 420 Desplaines Ave. The vehicle’s owner, who works at McDonald’s, was locking up when she saw the car being driven from the lot by an unknown man. Police were unable to find the vehicle, which was later found by police officers in Flossmoor.
A 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada was reported stolen at 11:04 p.m., March 13, while it was parked and running at a gas pump at Thornton’s Gas Station, 601 Harlem Ave.
Possession of heroin
A 30-year-old LaPorte, Ind. man was charged at 5:44 p.m., March 11, with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia in the 7200 block of Circle Avenue. A police officer in the area believed he had just witnessed a drug transaction take place and approached the vehicle. Police recovered 14.5 grams of heroin and 0.6 grams of crack cocaine, as well as a glass pipe.
Possession of cocaine
A 30-year-old Joliet man was charged at 3:57 a.m., March 13, with possession of cocaine in the 400 block of Beloit Avenue. Police were called to investigate a domestic disturbance and reported seeing the man throw a bag to the ground when they arrived at the scene. Police said the total weight of the cocaine was 2.3 grams. They also reported seizing $2,631 from the man when he was arrested.
Vehicle burglarized
A Forest Park resident told police his wallet was stolen from his vehicle between 8 a.m., March 4 and 9 p.m., March 6 in the 7400 block of Madison Street. Also stolen with the wallet were a number of credit and debit cards and identification. The credit and debit cards were later found to have been used to purchase jewelry online in the amount of $2,006.51.
Beauty products stolen
A total of $247.36 worth of beauty products was reported stolen at 11:20 a.m., March 12, from Ultra Foods, 7520 Roosevelt Road. Police were told the items were stolen at about 5:03 p.m., March 11, but were reported stolen after the items were discovered missing. A man and a woman were seen on surveillance footage taking the items and leaving the store without paying.
Wallet stolen at Walmart
A wallet was reported stolen at 2:06 p.m., March 8, while the owner was shopping at Walmart, 1300 Desplaines Avenue. The wallet was turned in to staff at Walmart but was missing $150 in cash and a Costco membership card.
Hit-and-run
A 20-year-old Oak Lawn woman was charged at 1:52 a.m., March 11, with hit-and-run, illegal transportation of alcohol and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident after police arrived at her vehicle in the 400 block of Desplaines Avenue. A police officer heard engines revving and reported seeing two vehicles box in another vehicle in the 400 block of Desplaines and get out and shout at the driver. Police were told the woman struck two parked vehicles in the 400 block of Thomas Avenue and did not stop. A man walking to his vehicle with friends saw the woman strike the vehicles, one of which was his own, and they followed her. Police additionally found open bottles of beer in the vehicle driven by the Oak Lawn woman.
These items were obtained from police reports filed by the Forest Park Police Department, March 7-13, and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Unless otherwise indicated, anybody named in these reports has only been charged with a crime. These cases have not been adjudicated.
—Compiled by Matthew Hendrickson
