All Categories - THE BURBANK BEAT

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

Facebook Live video

© 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

RELATED

© The Burbank Beat 2018. All rights reserved

Burbank Man Arrested In DUI Crash: Police

3/16/2018

BURBANK, Ill. — Burbank police said alcohol played a part in a multi-vehicle accident Wednesday night that sent several people to the hospital.

Police and firefighters responded to the crash on Mar. 14, around 9:53 p.m. near 79th Street and McVicker Avenue.

Division Chief Mike Dudlo of the Burbank Police Department said the crash triggered a chain reaction that left three vehicles and a Pace transport van heavily damaged.

According to Dudlo, that chain event started when a Chevy Tahoe westbound on 79th Street, veered into the eastbound lanes and collided with a Jeep Cherokee. The Cherokee then struck a Pace minivan which in turn collided with a Dodge Ram pickup truck.

Police reports indicate the Tahoe rolled over onto its roof. Witnesses told police the driver of the Tahoe crawled from the wreckage and took off running southbound on McVicker Avenue.

According to Dudlo, one of the passengers in the Pace transport van had to be extricated by Burbank firefighters. Several people were transported to the hospital. None of the injuries were reported as life-threatening.

Responding officers traced the Tahoe’s registration to a Burbank address where officers located the owner of the vehicle. Witnesses identified the owner as the driver who ran from the scene, Dudlo said.

Dudlo said the Tahoe owner, Jesus Salguero, 35, had evidence of intoxication and injuries consistent with being involved in an accident. He was taken into custody and transported to the hospital for treatment.

Upon his release from the hospital, Salguero was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, leaving the scene of a personal injury accident, operation of an uninsured motor vehicle and several other traffic offenses.

Salguero was released and is due to appear next in court May 4 at the Bridgeview Courthouse.

© The Burbank Beat 2018. All rights reserved

Pizza Delivery Driver Falls Victim To Classic 'Bump-and-Rob' Scheme

3/15/2018

BURBANK, Ill. — Police are investigating the armed robbery of a pizza delivery driver Wednesday night.

The driver told police he was on his way back to the restaurant when he was involved in a minor traffic accident near 83rd Street and Lamon Avenue just before 9 p.m.

When the delivery driver exited his car to check for damage, he was confronted by two men from the other car who threatened him with a revolver and demanded all his money, according to Division Chief Mike Dudlo of the Burbank Police Department.

Dudlo said the delivery driver, a 46-year-old Markham resident, gave the men an undisclosed amount of cash and was not injured during the robbery.

The delivery driver described the two suspects as black males and told police they were driving a silver Grand Prix without license plates. The vehicle was last seen northbound on Lamon Avenue.

The driver made several deliveries prior to the fender bender and told police he did not believe he was being followed.

Dudlo said he believed the accident “was by design” and the victim was targeted.

Staged accidents, often described as “bump and robs,” are a common technique used in roadside robberies in which criminals purposely hit a victim’s car in order to get them to stop and exit their vehicle.

Dudlo said Burbank detectives are reviewing nearby surveillance video in an effort to identify the suspects.

© The Burbank Beat 2018. All rights reserved

Ski-Masked Man Arrested In Dollar General Robbery: Police

3/15/2018

Dollar General, 8636 S. Cicero Ave., Burbank | image via Google Maps

BURBANK, Ill. — A Blue Island man was arrested in connection with an armed robbery of the Dollar General, 8636 S. Cicero Ave., according to Burbank police.

Ruben Rodriguez, 41, faces two counts each of armed robbery, aggravated unlawful restraint, and aggravated kidnapping, Division Chief Mike Dudlo of the Burbank Police Department said.

According to Dudlo, Rodriguez entered the store about 1:35 p.m., Wednesday afternoon wearing a ski mask and approached the cashier working the checkout line. Rodriguez allegedly pulled out a revolver and demanded money from the cash register.

The cashier ran to a nearby office occupied by another employee. Rodriguez followed the cashier and ordered the pair out of the office at gunpoint, Dudlo said. Rodriguez demanded the cash register be opened. The clerks complied with his order and gave the cash tray to Rodriguez who made off with an undisclosed amount of money and an employee’s cell phone.

Witnesses told police Rodriguez exited the store and ran northbound on Lamon Avenue where he entered a blue Chevy Malibu, occupied by three men, parked near 86th Street.

Dudlo said that police began tracking the employee’s cell phone and located it in in the City of Chicago. Burbank police relayed this information to Chicago units who curbed the Malibu near 63rd Street and Kedzie Avenue.

After being positively identified by witnesses, the four men were brought back to the Burbank police station for questioning.

According to Dudlo, the men were uncooperative with investigators. After reviewing witness statements and store surveillance video, a Cook County assistant state’s attorney approved felony charges against Rodriguez. The other three men — two Chicago residents and a Sauk Village resident — were released for lack of evidence, Dudlo said.

Rodriguez is scheduled to appear at the Bridgeview Courthouse for a bond hearing Friday.

The same Dollar General store was robbed last month by a Chicago man armed with a box cutter, according to a report by the Oak Lawn Patch.

© The Burbank Beat 2018. All rights reserved

Police Officers Able To Extinguish Porch Fire Before Flames Spread

1/29/2018

BURBANK, Ill. — An early morning porch fire was promptly doused by a pair of quick-acting Burbank police officers before flames had a chance to spread to the home.

According to authorities, fire and police were dispatched to a home in the 8200 block of Lockwood Avenue around 1:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 29 after an alert resident saw smoke coming from a neighbor’s front porch and called emergency services.

Division Chief Mike Dudlo of the Burbank Police Department said two Burbank police officers battled the blaze with fire extinguishers carried in their patrol vehicles.

The officers were able to put out the fire before Burbank firefighters arrived. The Fire Department verified the fire had been struck and completed an investigation into the cause, according to Dudlo.

Dudlo said the Fire Department determined the fire originated from within a bucket that was used as an makeshift ashtray by the homeowner. The fire caused minor damage to the porch and no injuries were reported.

"The owner of the residence was lucky to have such a great neighbor who did the right thing and called for help,” Dudlo said. “The situation could have been so much worse without the officers' swift reactions on scene and the citizen looking out for a fellow neighbor.”

© The Burbank Beat 2018. All rights reserved

Crash Flips Van, Sends SUV Into House

1/23/2018

Screenshot via Maria Guerrero

Facebook video via Maria Guerrero

BURBANK, Ill. — An early morning collision caused one vehicle to overturn and sent another careening into a house, police said.

The accident happened about 6:12 a.m. near 79th Street and Laramie Avenue.

According to Division Chief Mike Dudlo of the Burbank Police Department, a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van was northbound on Laramie when it struck a Lincoln Navigator traveling westbound on 79th Street.

Dudlo said the van rolled onto its side and the Lincoln Navigator crashed into a house in the 5200 block of 79th Street.

“The resident present within the home was not physically injured as a result of the collision,” Dudlo said.

Burbank firefighters extracted the driver of the Sprinter van and transported him to the hospital for treatment of what were described as non-life threatening injuries. No other injuries were reported.

Dudlo said drugs and alcohol did not seem to be a factor in the crash.

“The driver of the van was cited for his involvement in the accident,” Dudlo said.

© The Burbank Beat 2018. All rights reserved

Alert Neighbor's Call Leads to Arrest of Alleged Burglar: Police

1/22/2018

Keena Dew, 33, Mississippi | photo via Cook County Sheriff

BURBANK, Ill. — Burbank Police arrested a Mississippi man after a neighbor witnessed him allegedly breaking into a home.

Police were dispatched to the home in the 5600 block of 84th Street around 4:50 p.m. on Jan. 18 after the neighbor told dispatchers she saw a strange man walking around the property checking windows. The neighbor said she witnessed the man break a window of the attached garage and climb inside the home.

Responding patrol officers witnessed lights being turned on and off inside the house yet no one inside answered when they knocked on the door. Commands to exit the home went unheeded so officers gained entry into the residence and a search was conducted with a K9 unit.

The K9 officer and his police dog — Lary — located the suspect hiding in the residence and the man was taken into custody after a brief struggle, according to police reports.

The suspect was identified as Keena Dew, 33, of Mississippi. Dew was treated on scene by Burbank paramedics for minor dog bites and scratches but refused further medical treatment, according to reports.

Dew told police he was in the area after getting lost coming from the CTA Orange Line. He further told police he broke the window and entered the home to see if he could find valuables, police documents indicate.

Dew is facing one count of residential burglary and one count of resisting a police officer. He is being held in the Cook County Jail in lieu of $30,000 bail. His next court date is Feb. 6 at the Bridgeview Courthouse.

Burbank K9 Lary | photo via Burbank Police Department

© The Burbank Beat 2018. All rights reserved