A car was fully engulfed in flames Feb. 23 at the McDonald’s on Harlem Avenue in River Forest. The River Forest Fire Department responded to the scene by extinguishing the fire, using about 500 gallons of water, and disconnecting the battery.
The car owner said while he was driving, he noticed smoke coming from the right side near his gear shifter, then saw flames in the area, according to the River Forest Fire Department. As he pulled into the McDonald’s, the flames got worse. He and another passenger in the car got out.
The driver is paralyzed and cannot use his legs, but was able to get inside the McDonald’s. He said he was not burned or hurt but wanted to get checked out at the hospital, according to the fire department.
Catalytic converter theft
Someone stole the catalytic converter from an Oak Park resident’s silver 2014 Nissan Juke. The incident occurred between Feb. 11 and Feb. 19 at the 200 block of South Boulevard. The estimated loss is $1,300.
Burglary to motor vehicle
- Someone got in a Wheeling resident’s unlocked 2019 Ford Transit van Feb. 19 at the 1100 block of North Kenilworth Avenue. The individual ransacked the interior and stole boxes of tools containing screw guns, chargers and rotary lasers. The estimated loss is $5,000.
- Someone got in two Bellwood resident work vans through unlocked doors on Feb. 22 at the 700 block of North East Avenue. The individual stole various tools and a credit card. The estimated loss is $5,081.23.
- Two men were seen stealing power tools from a Lindenhurst resident’s 2021 Chevrolet work truck Feb. 24 at the 500 block of North Grove Avenue. The men fled in a black Kia Sorento. The estimated loss is $6,150.
Domestic battery arrest
- A Chicago man was arrested for domestic battery against a Chicago resident Feb. 20 at the 1100 block of South Boulevard. He also had an active Cook County warrant for unpaid child support. He was held for a bond hearing.
- An Oak Park man was arrested for domestic battery against another Oak Park resident Feb. 21 at the 400 block of Home Avenue. He was held for bond hearings.
Motor vehicle theft
Someone stole an Oak Park resident’s white 2021 Kia Soul while it was parked at the 200 block of Superior Street. The incident, which occurred Feb. 20, resulted in an estimated loss of $12,000.
Armed robbery arrest
A Chicago man was identified Feb. 21 as the subject in an armed robbery and aggravated unlawful restraint that occurred at 100 Chicago Avenue on Dec. 4, 2023. He was held at Cook County Correctional Facility in Chicago.
Battery arrest
A Chicago man was arrested Feb. 22 at the 900 block of North Austin Boulevard for battery that occurred May 15, 2023, against an Oak Park resident. The man also had an active Cook County warrant for aggravated battery to a police officer. He was held for bond hearings.
These items were obtained from Oak Park Police Department reports dated Feb. 19-26, and from the River Forest Fire Department. The items represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large, and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.
Compiled by Luzane Draughon