Recent Police Activity in the Chicago Area
Several communities surrounding Chicago have seen a range of police activity in recent weeks, from burglary and robbery to weapons and drug offenses. Investigations continue in multiple cases.
Blue Island Burglary
Police in Blue Island are investigating a burglary that occurred on January 28, 2026, at a video slots and poker business in the 12100 block of Western Avenue. According to police reports, several unidentified individuals forcibly entered the business using a crowbar and hammer, removing money boxes from two video slot machines. The incident occurred at approximately 3:35 a.m.
Retail Incidents in Burbank
The Burbank Police Department has been responding to several retail-related incidents. On January 19, 2026, a man allegedly threatened to shoot an employee of a general store in the 8000 block of Cicero Avenue after leaving with unpaid laundry detergent, though he did not display a weapon.
The following day, January 18, 2026, a man fleeing an electronics store in the 7600 block of Cicero Avenue with three laptop computers knocked down a security officer as he exited the store, police said.
Will County Cases: Gun and Drug Charges
Richard A. Valadez, 57, of Country Club Hills, is scheduled to appear in Will County court on February 24, 2026, facing charges related to firearm and drug offenses. He is charged with being a repeat felon possessing a firearm, possession of a weapon by a felon who used force, and manufacturing/delivering more than 30 grams of cannabis. The charges stem from a January 18, 2026, traffic stop on Laraway Road at Regency Drive, where police recovered an unloaded 9 mm handgun, an unloaded magazine, and approximately 21 plastic sandwich bags containing 4 grams of marijuana each.
James M. Pope, 42, of Matteson, was arrested on February 13, 2026, and charged with felony retail theft and burglary after allegedly taking 20 bottles of shampoo, collectively valued at $508, from a drug store in the 11200 block of Laraway Road.
Aggravated Battery and Weapon Possession in Homewood
On December 24, 2025, Nicole Ray, 52, of Chicago, was charged with aggravated battery to a police officer and resisting arrest after allegedly biting an officer multiple times while being taken into custody at a department store in the 17900 block of Halsted Street.
Jordan Hassell, 22, of Hazel Crest, was arrested on December 25, 2025, and accused of unlawfully possessing a weapon after officers recovered a knife during a retail theft investigation at a store in the 800 block of 183rd Street. Hassell is also accused of resisting arrest and disorderly conduct after allegedly flexing and pulling away from officers while being handcuffed.
Lansing Incidents: Assault, Sex Offender, and Failure to Register
Tenecia S. Kinnard, 35, of Lansing, was arrested on January 4, 2026, and charged with aggravated assault after allegedly brandishing a .380 pistol during a domestic dispute in the 19400 block of Oakwood Avenue. Police seized the loaded weapon and magazine.
Martin Gomez, 59, of Chicago, was arrested on January 21, 2026, for failing to register as a sex offender. Gomez is classified as a sexual predator due to a prior conviction for aggravated criminal abuse of a teen.
Scams and DUI in New Lenox and Oak Lawn
A resident of New Lenox reported being scammed out of $15,000 on January 28, 2026, by an individual contacted through the Zangi messaging app. The resident deposited two inheritance checks totaling $15,000 and transferred funds before learning both checks were fraudulent.
Mario Cesar-Martinez, 28, of Oak Lawn, was charged on January 13, 2026, with aggravated drunken driving, speeding, driving without a license, and failing to provide proof of insurance following a traffic stop in the 9300 block of Cicero Avenue.
A resident of the 9500 block of Kolmar Avenue in Oak Lawn reported a residential burglary on January 22, 2026. The resident awoke at 9 p.m. To a fist breaking through their bedroom’s air conditioning unit and yelled, prompting the intruder to flee. The resident was unable to describe the individual.
Orland Park: Assault, Theft, and Arrests
Jose M. Reyes, 37, of Orland Park, is scheduled to appear in Cook County court at Bridgeview on March 19, 2026, charged with aggravated assault, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct after allegedly assuming a boxing stance while being questioned about a fight on January 12, 2026.
Terrance K. Barber, 38, and Lawrence R. Coleman, 33, both of Chicago, were arrested on January 17, 2026, and charged with felony retail theft and possession of stolen property after officers recovered merchandise valued at $5,067.69 from stores at Orland Square and Orland Park Place.
Palos Heights: Weapons and DUI
Daniel C. Howard, 35, of Dolton, was arrested on January 22, 2026, and charged with aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon after an officer recovered a loaded handgun from under his seat during a traffic stop in the 11900 block of Harlem Avenue. He did not have a concealed carry license.
Mariusz K. Wieczorek, 41, of Palos Heights, was arrested on January 23, 2026, and charged with drunken driving after officers found him asleep at the wheel in the 6400 block of 127th Street.
David Zepeda, 55, of Oak Forest, was arrested on January 28, 2026, and charged with drunken driving following a crash investigation in the 13300 block of Ridgeland Avenue.
Park Forest: Gun and Drug Possession
Marcus D. Butler, 36, of Park Forest, was arrested on January 2, 2026, for driving on a suspended license, driving without headlights, and failing to provide proof of insurance. He was subsequently charged with aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon after officers recovered a loaded pistol and magazine. He was also charged with possession of cannabis with intent to deliver after officers found 1.6 ounces of marijuana in six sandwich bags.
