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Police Investigate Armed Gas Station Robbery

12/5/2018

Image via Google Maps

BURBANK, Ill. — Police are looking for three men who robbed a Burbank gas station at gunpoint Monday night.

According to police, the men entered the Citgo, 5049 W. 79th Street, around 7:30 p.m. on December 3. The female clerk told police one of the men stood near the door while the other two walked up and down the aisles.

When the clerk asked if she could help, one of the men pulled out a chrome semi-automatic handgun and entered the cashier's station. The man threatened the clerk and demanded money. While the clerk was complying with the gunman’s demand, his accomplices began removing cigarettes, according to police.

The clerk was not injured and the men made off with an undisclosed amount of cash and cigarettes, police said.

The three men exited the store and were last seen driving on southbound on LeClaire Avenue in an unknown vehicle. The suspects were all described as black males, between 140-160 pounds, wearing dark colored hooded jackets and blue jeans.

According to Division Chief Mike Dudlo of the Burbank Police Department, investigators are reviewing store surveillance video and footage from other cameras in the area in an attempt to identify the men.

Anyone who may have information on this robbery is asked to contact the Burbank Police Department at 708-924-7300.

© The Burbank Beat 2018. All rights reserved

"Less Lethal Force" Used On Man With Knife: Police

11/13/2018

Ed. Note: This story was updated at 10:30 p.m. to reflect additional info received from the Burbank Police Department.

BURBANK, Ill. — Police believe a man was trying to commit “suicide by cop” when he threatened officers with a knife, according to the Burbank Police Department.

The man’s actions prompted officers to use less-than-lethal weapons to defend themselves after he refused to comply with instructions, according to Division Chief Mike Dudlo of the Burbank Police Department.

The incident occurred around 3:21 p.m., Tuesday, at a residence in the 8100 block of Melvina Avenue.

Dudlo said the man called 911 and informed the dispatcher he was armed with a knife and would attack officers when they arrived in order to force police to shoot him.

Responding officers encountered the man outside the home armed with what was described as a 12-inch kitchen knife, according to a Burbank Police Department press release.

The man complied with the officers' initial commands to drop the weapon but refused to comply with commands to keep his hands in sight. When he reached into his pocket, police fired a non-lethal pepper-ball at him that had little effect. The man continued to resist and officers used a TASER to secure him.

“Officers recovered an additional 6-inch knife in the pocket he was reaching towards,” the press release said.

Police did not release the man’s name but said the 34-year-old Burbank resident was transported to the hospital for a psychological exam and for treatment of minor injuries he sustained during the encounter.

Police called the incident “isolated” and said no bystanders were injured.

The incident occurred a few blocks west of Liberty Junior High School, 5900 W 81st Street, shortly after the school day had ended. Social media posts indicated that several Liberty students were shaken up after witnessing the event. Some parents posted of receiving a robocall from Burbank School District 111 about the incident, however, the content of that call is unknown at this time.

Original Story
BURBANK, Ill. — Police were dispatched to a residence earlier today after receiving information about a man who was threatening to harm himself, according to Division Chief Mike Dudlo of the Burbank Police Department.

Dudlo said dispatchers were told the man was armed with a knife and wanted to commit “suicide by cop.”

Responding officers encountered the man armed with two knives and initially deployed a pepper-ball gun that partially subdued him but were forced to use a TASER after the subject charged at the officers, Dudlo said.

Dudlo said the Burbank Police Department would be issuing a press release about the incident in the near future.

Social media posts indicate the incident took place near Liberty Junior High School, 5900 W 81st Street, shortly after the school day had ended and some students witnessed the event.

© The Burbank Beat 2018. All rights reserved

Police Beef Up Patrols After String Of Armed Robberies

10/16/2018

BURBANK, Ill. — Burbank Police are stepping up patrols after a string of recent armed robberies in the typically quiet suburb.

“Extra unmarked undercover vehicles are being assigned to the streets,” Division Chief Mike Dudlo of the Burbank Police Department said after the city experienced three armed robberies in an 8 day period.

The first of the robberies occurred Oct. 5 when a resident was confronted by two armed men while walking his dog. The suspects beat the man and stole his wallet, according to police.

On Thursday, Oct. 11, police were called to the area of 77th Street and Narragansett Avenue around 7 p.m. after an 18-year-old Norridge, Ill. man reported being robbed at gunpoint.

Police reports indicate the man had arranged to sell an Apple iPhone through the website OfferUp. The prospective buyer suggested they meet at the location in Burbank to complete the transaction. The victim told police when he arrived for the meetup, he was confronted by three armed men who stole his phone and wallet.

Dudlo said the three suspects were described as black males, between 18 to 25-years-old, driving a “beater” silver Dodge Charger. All three were armed with black semi-automatic handguns.

The suspects were further described as follows:

Suspect 1 — Short skinny build, between 5’ 3” and 5’ 8” tall, about 120—130 pounds, dreadlocks, wearing black Adidas pants.

Suspect 2 — Medium build, between 6’ and 6’ 5” tall, about 150—170 pounds, wearing a gray hoodie.

Suspect 3 — Medium build, between 5’ 8” and 5’ 10” tall, wearing a hoodie of unknown color.

Dudlo said the suspects searched the victim's car for items of value but nothing was taken. They were last seen driving away from the scene eastbound on 77th Street.

On Friday, Oct. 12, a fast food delivery driver told police he was robbed at gunpoint around 7:38 p.m. in the 8200 block of LeClaire Ave.

The victim had just made a delivery and was driving south on LeClaire when a gray four-door sedan pulled in front of him blocking his path. Two men armed with black handguns emerged from the car and demanded the delivery driver's money, according to Dudlo.

The victim described both suspects as black males, dressed in black and wearing black ski masks over their faces.

The suspects were further described as follows:

Suspect 1 — Long dreadlocks, between 6’ and 6’ 3” tall, about 160—180 pounds.

Suspect 2 — Between 5’ 6” and 5’ 8” tall, about 230—250 pounds.

Investigators are looking for links between the recent robberies but it is unknown if they are connected at this time.

Dudlo said the best thing to do if you are a victim of a similar crime is to comply with the robber’s demands.

“Don’t be a hero,” Dudlo said. “Remain calm and concentrate on being the best witness you can be. Try to observe things like the make and model of the vehicle and especially the license plate number.”

Dudlo recommended that when conducting a transaction over social media, never agree to meet in a secluded area. Always insist on meeting in a public place like a cafe, shopping center, or the parking lot of a police station.

© The Burbank Beat 2018. All rights reserved

Robbers Beat Man and Threaten To Shoot Dog: Police

10/9/2018

BURBANK, Ill. — A Burbank man was robbed at gunpoint Friday evening while walking his dog near Newcastle Park, according to the Burbank Police Department.

Division Chief Mike Dudlo of the Burbank Police department said the 32-year-old victim was walking in the 7900 block of Newcastle Avenue around 9 p.m. on Oct. 5, when he was approached by three men.

One of the suspects was armed with a semi-automatic handgun and another was armed with what was described as a shotgun style rifle, according to Dudlo.

The victim told police the suspects demanded money and threatened to shoot his dog if he did not comply.

“The victim attempted to cover his dog with his own body on the ground. One of the offenders then struck the victim in the face with an unknown object while the other removed the victim’s wallet from his pants,” Dudlo said.

The suspects, described as black males between 25-30 years old, entered a dark-colored four-door sedan and fled southbound on Newcastle Avenue at a high rate of speed.

Dudlo said the victim received a minor laceration and bruising to his face. His pet was not injured.

© The Burbank Beat 2018. All rights reserved

Burbank Family Honored By White Sox

9/6/2018

The Lopez Family of Burbank, Ill.

CHICAGO — A Burbank family was recently honored by NBC Sports Chicago in conjunction with the Chicago White Sox during Wednesday night's game.

Natalia Lopez, along with her husband Ricky and sons Santiago and Isaac, were selected as NBC Sports Chicago's "Authentic Fan of the Game" contest winners.

According to Ricky, the family was given four tickets to the game and were treated to a VIP tour of Guaranteed Rate Field. As part of their exclusive tour, the family got to meet former White Sox manager Ozzie Guillén and while touring the broadcast booth, visited with Sox TV announcers Jason Benetti and Steve Stone. Of course, no VIP tour would be complete without a photo session with Southpaw, the official White Sox mascot.

In addition to the special treatment lavished on the family, Natalia was escorted onto the field and given the pregame honor of shouting "Play ball!!" — the traditional baseball phrase used to start the contest. She was also interviewed on-field during the game by NBC Sports Chicago reporter Chuck Garfien.

The entire Lopez family are avid baseball fans. When Santiago and Isaac aren't busy playing baseball for Burbank American Little League, the family often travels to watch out-of-town Sox games. "Our family dreams of seeing the White Sox play at every MLB stadium," Natalia told NBC Sports Chicago.

The Lopezes were featured during the game's television broadcast. The segment featured photos of the family's visits to 10 different Major League ballparks across the country.

Unfortunately, the Sox lost to the Detroit Tigers 10-3 in a rain-plagued game but Santiago and Isaac were happy to get a first look at rookie phenom pitcher Michael Kopech.

Strong-Arm Robber Nabs Woman's Purse: Police

8/27/2018

BURBANK, Ill. — Police say an elderly female resident fell victim to a strong-arm robber Sunday night around 9:18 p.m. in the 7800 block of Leamington Avenue.

The victim was entering her home by way of a rear door when she was approached from behind by a man who forcefully grabbed her purse and pushed her to the ground, according to Division Chief Mike Dudlo of the Burbank Police Department.

Dudlo said a neighbor alerted police after finding the victim lying in her backyard crying for help.

The condition of the victim is unknown.

Dudlo said detectives are reviewing video footage from nearby cameras in an attempt to identify the suspect. They are also attempting to locate witnesses and are asking anybody who was in the area at the time of the robbery or who may have seen anything unusual or suspicious to call 708-924-7300.

Callers may remain anonymous.

© The Burbank Beat 2018. All rights reserved

Man Stabbed In Parking Lot Altercation: Police

4/12/2018

BURBANK, Ill. — Police say an altercation between coworkers resulted in a stabbing in the parking lot of Papa John’s Pizza, 7856 S. Cicero Ave., Burbank.

The incident happened Wednesday, Apr. 11, around 10:20 p.m.

According to Division Chief Mike Dudlo of the Burbank Police Department, two Chicago men who worked together at a business in Bedford Park were engaged in an ongoing dispute which culminated in the parking lot stabbing.

Dudlo said the victim was stabbed twice and suffered a collapsed lung but is expected to make a full recovery.

According to Dudlo, the suspect was taken into custody but was later released after the stabbing victim refused to sign a complaint against his alleged assailant.

The investigation is ongoing and charges are pending.

© The Burbank Beat 2018. All rights reserved

Reservoir Expansion to Alleviate Burbank and Oak Lawn Flooding

4/2/2018

Shovels are hitting the ground in southwest suburban Burbank where the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) will make way for a major reservoir expansion designed to provide much-needed flood relief.

Construction is officially underway on the Melvina Ditch Reservoir, 6500 W. 87th St., Burbank, which will work to alleviate flooding concerns for residents in Burbank and Oak Lawn. After a comprehensive public process that relied on input from Burbank and Oak Lawn neighbors and various stakeholders to address flooding concerns, the MWRD agreed to design an improved and expanded reservoir. To construct this, the MWRD plans to remove more than 80,000 tons of dirt to increase its holding capacity by nearly 64 million gallons. The $20-million project, funded primarily by the MWRD, also received a grant from the state of Illinois through its Build Illinois Bond Fund.

“Today’s groundbreaking represents the culmination of an engaging public process that relied on the input of Burbank and Oak Lawn residents to work toward a solution to severe flooding in their communities,” said MWRD President Mariyana Spyropoulos. “Combining that community outreach with highly skilled engineering work and funding assistance from our partners in Springfield, we believe we have a project that will make a critical difference in the quality of life for local residents who have in years past dealt with flooded basements and streets. We hope this investment at the Melvina Ditch Reservoir will give that excess stormwater a larger holding place that gives residents much needed peace of mind when it rains.”

“This is a great day for my constituents in Oak Lawn, Burbank, Chicago Ridge, and Alsip who have suffered from flooded basements, businesses, yards, and streets,” said Congressman Dan Lipinski. “I was happy to work with local officials and the MWRD to make this expansion of the Melvina Ditch Reservoir possible. This type of cooperation on local projects is what helps make our communities better places to live and work.”

The Melvina Ditch Reservoir has exceeded its capacity in recent storm events, resulting in flooding in nearby neighborhoods. Through public meetings, consensus was met to expand the reservoir within the existing reservoir footprint on MWRD property and by acquiring 15 nearby properties around the perimeter of the reservoir, based on the alternative configuration sought by residents. Now these rain-soaked communities have relief in sight thanks to the expansion of the reservoir.

“The village of Burbank couldn’t be more pleased that we are progressing on this project,” said Burbank Mayor Dan Foy. “There are 430 residential properties that will have a reduced risk of flooding during storms. This is a great day.”

The project more than doubles the existing Melvina Ditch Reservoir storage capacity, expanding it from 54 million gallons to 117.3 million gallons. In addition, the pumping station will be modified to accommodate the reservoir expansion, and a new emergency overflow weir will be installed to reduce the chance of the reservoir overtopping.

“The Southwest Mayors Conference, for years in partnership with MWRD, has made stormwater management in our region a priority for enhancing our residents’ lives and businesses,” said Oak Lawn Village President Sandra Bury.

“Oak Lawn salutes MWRD in the historic groundbreaking for expansion of the Melvina Ditch Reservoir, said Larry Deetjen, Oak Lawn Village Manager. This major capital investment will have a positive regional impact and is part of a systematic and planned set of initiatives by local and regional governments to address real life problems in our communities.”

The water from the reservoir is conveyed to an underground culvert that stretches from 87th Street to 95th street where it empties into the Melvina Ditch.

Lou Viverito, who has been on the Stickney Township Board since the 1960s, is the Township Supervisor. “I’m extremely excited and proud to think the MWRD is going to help Stickney Township, the city of Burbank and village of Oak Lawn solve their flooding problems,” said Supervisor Viverito. “You can’t believe the people who would come to me crying and upset that they were flooded. This is going to be great for the residents and businesses of Burbank and for Oak Lawn.”

Additional work on the reservoir will include the installation of a stormwater chamber and culverts at the outlet of the pumping station. Construction will extend to 87th Street to install the culverts and replace any disturbed utilities. Storm pumps will also be removed and serviced and impellers will be lengthened. Construction on the Melvina Ditch Reservoir improvements are anticipated to be complete by 2020. Downstream communities, such as Bridgeview, Chicago Ridge and Worth will also benefit indirectly from the reservoir.

Source: MWRD press release

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© The Burbank Beat 2018. All rights reserved

Barking Dog Alerts Family To House Fire

4/2/2018

BURBANK, Ill. — Three people managed to escape an early morning house fire thanks to their family dog.

The Burbank Fire Department responded to reports of a single-story house fire in the 8600 block of Major Avenue around 2:20 a.m. on Saturday, March 31. While firefighters battled the blaze, nearby homes were temporarily evacuated as a precaution until firefighters managed to bring the fire under control.

According to Division Chief Mike Dudlo of the Burbank Police Department, one of the sleeping occupants was alerted to the fire by the barking of the family pet. The resident woke the other family members and all were able to get out of the burning home safely without injury.

Burbank fire investigators examined the scene and found nothing suspicious, Dudlo said. Officials believe the blaze originated in a utility closet near the home’s furnace.

The house sustained heavy damage and has been declared uninhabitable by the Burbank Building Commissioner’s office. Dudlo said the residents are staying with family members in the area for the time being.

© The Burbank Beat 2018. All rights reserved

Melvina Ditch Reservoir Expansion Groundbreaking

3/31/2018

Groundbreaking on Melvina Ditch Reservoir expansion will provide stormwater protection for Burbank and Oak Lawn

WHO: The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD), Village of Burbank and Village of Oak Lawn

WHAT: Officials will mark the beginning of construction on the Melvina Ditch Reservoir expansion to alleviate ooding concerns for residents of Burbank and Oak Lawn

WHERE: Melvina Ditch Reservoir, 6500 W. 87th Street, Burbank, Ill.

WHEN: Monday, April 2, 2018, 10 a.m.

After a lengthy public process that relied on input from Burbank and Oak Lawn neighbors and various stakeholders to address flooding concerns, the MWRD is prepared to break ground on the anticipated expansion of the Melvina Ditch Reservoir that will provide much needed protection from area flooding. The groundbreaking ceremony will be held at 6500 W. 87th Street, Burbank, IL at 10 a.m.

The project more than doubles the existing Melvina Ditch Reservoir storage capacity of the reservoir to alleviate flooding concerns for residents of Burbank and Oak Lawn.

The expansion project is a culmination of a lengthy public process that accepted input from Burbank and Oak Lawn neighbors and stakeholders. The existing Melvina Ditch Reservoir will be expanded by 195 acre-feet, or by 64 million gallons, the pumping station will be modified to accommodate the reservoir expansion, and a new emergency overflow weir to reduce the likelihood of reservoir overtopping will be installed.

Through public meetings, consensus was met to expand the reservoir within the existing reservoir footprint on MWRD property and through acquir- ing nearby properties around the perimeter of the reservoir. A portion of the $20 million project will be funded through a grant from the state of Illinois through its Build Illinois Bond Fund.

Source: MWRD Press Release

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© The Burbank Beat 2018. All rights reserved