Crestwood Area Reports Increase in Crime Activity: A Summary of Recent Incidents
Various suburbs in Illinois witness a troubling array of criminal activities, prompting police responses and community concern.
Carjackings and Drug Crimes
In Alsip, law enforcement arrested 35-year-old Luis F. Plascencia Gomez on April 27. Gomez faces charges of vehicular invasion and attempted hijacking stemming from a March 11 incident where he allegedly attempted to break into an occupied vehicle on Lacrosse Avenue.
In a separate incident on May 2, 24-year-old Clifton C. Coleman was apprehended at the intersection of 123rd Place and Cicero Avenue. Police recovered nearly three ounces of marijuana, a substantial sum of cash, and drug paraphernalia from his possession, leading to charges of cannabis manufacture and delivery.
Weapons Violations and Assaults
A concerning report from Homewood noted the arrest of Kaleb Darden, 23, and Childale Henderson, 24, on May 11. Both men were charged with aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon following an investigation involving armed subjects in a parked vehicle.
On April 25 in Oak Lawn, 47-year-old Matthew R. Chavez was arrested for aggravated assault after threatening an individual with a knife outside of a retail establishment.
In another violent incident, 31-year-old Jamie C. Moore was charged with aggravated battery and unlawful possession of a weapon after allegedly striking a woman with a handgun outside a hotel on May 22.
Theft, Fraud, and Child Abduction
A notable retail theft took place in New Lenox on May 28, where 32-year-old Wesley D. Hatten-Lovett was accused of stealing a gaming console valued at $499 from a Walmart.
Alongside property crimes, a resident also fell victim to a Facebook Marketplace scam, resulting in a loss of $2,500 . The individual reported recognizing the scam only after a supposed transaction failed to materialize, raising concerns about online safety.
In Steger, authorities charged 22-year-old Brian E. Chavez with child abduction after he allegedly took a toddler from a public location against the mother’s wishes on May 19.
Driving Under the Influence and Other Offenses
Driving violations have also surged, with 62-year-old Joan L. Meyers arrested for DUI following a single-vehicle crash on May 13 in Monee. Additionally, Armando Cruz Jr., aged 26, was charged with several offenses, including DUI and possession of controlled substances, after officers found him unconscious behind the wheel on May 26.
These incidents highlight growing concerns over crime in the Crestwood area. Police continue to investigate and urge residents to remain vigilant.
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Bio: Marcus is a community-based journalist passionate about reporting impactful stories that matter most to readers.