Latest news with #CookCountySheriff
CBS News
2 days ago
- CBS News
Freight train burglaries, sales of stolen cargo are a lucrative business, authorities say
Last fall, CBS Skywatch was overhead as thieves pulled off a freight train heist on Chicago's West Side. The wild scene played out for hours as several freight train cars were broken into, and dozens of people walked away with big-screen TVs. In that October incident, police sources said Chicago police officers waited more than an hour for Union Pacific officers to respond and secure the tracks. Since then, there have been several more similar incidents, including one just last week in west suburban Bellwood. Hundreds of cardboard boxes ended up littered across the tracks after thieves broke in and stole valuable items. Cargo thieves usually target items that are in high demand or have big price tags. The stolen goods are then sold at 100% profit, with ads popping up on social media with what may seem like offers too good to be true. "It's a lucrative business," said Cmdr. Michael Ware, head of the Cook County Sherriff's Office Organized Retail Crime Unit. "You know, there's a lot of money to be made." Inside an unassuming storefront on Chicago's South Side, the Cook County Sheriff's office said it just recovered $400,000 worth of stolen exercise equipment. All of it was snatched from train cars in Joliet earlier this year, according to Ware, who investigates such train burglaries in his role. "It's like a mini-store. Mini-Home Depot, essentially," said Ware. "A lot of times, the retail theft can lead to, you know, gun recoveries and other criminal activity. It's just like the gateway crime." Isadore House, 57, was arrested and charged with selling the stolen merchandise. The rate of cargo thefts is also increasing. According to Verisk, a firm that tracks cargo thefts, this year there is an average of 338 theft reports per month — up from 136 in recent years. This year, Chicago has experienced the third highest volume of cargo thefts, behind Southern California and Dallas. House will be in court on Thursday.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Yahoo
Reanna Hammad: Missing Orland Park woman found dead in woods near Palos Township, officials say
The Brief Reanna Hammad, 21, of Orland Park, was found dead around 5:50 a.m. Sunday in a wooded area of unincorporated Palos Township. She was last seen by her mother Friday morning and may have been near Speaks Woods later that day, according to the Cook County Sheriff's Office. Authorities have not released details on the cause of death or whether foul play is suspected; the investigation is ongoing. COOK COUNTY, Ill. - A missing 21-year-old woman from Orland Park was found dead early Sunday in a wooded area in unincorporated Palos Township, authorities said. What we know Cook County Forest Preserve officials confirmed Reanna Hammad's body was discovered around 5:50 a.m. in Spears Woods by a search party. Forest Preserves of Cook County police are leading the investigation. The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office is working to determine her cause of death. The backstory Hammad was reported missing Friday after her mother last saw her at 11 a.m. at their home. According to the Cook County Sheriff's Office, evidence suggests Hammad may have been in the vicinity of Spears Woods later that day, near West 87th Street and South LaGrange Road. She was described as being 5 feet, 6 inches tall, weighing 145 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. At the time of her disappearance, she was wearing a black sweater, black pants and a black hijab. What they're saying "The Orland Park Police Department expresses our deepest condolences to the family of Reanna Hammad of unincorporated Palos Township. The body of Reanna Hammad, 21, was discovered on a walking trail in a forest preserve in unincorporated Palos Township. The Cook County Sheriff's Office is conducting the investigation. No foul play is suspected," the police department shared on Facebook Sunday evening. What we don't know Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances of her death. The investigation is ongoing. This is a developing story, and we'll bring more updates as they become available.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Yahoo
Man wanted on gun charges busted with drugs, fake ID in Tri-Taylor: sheriff
The Brief Jordan White, 28, was arrested on a Cook County warrant after failing to appear in court on felony gun charges. He was taken into custody outside a Tri-Taylor residence and found with suspected cocaine, heroin and a fake ID. White is now facing additional drug charges and is being held at Cook County Jail until his next court date on June 5. COOK COUNTY, Ill. - A Cook County fugitive who failed to appear in court earlier this year was arrested in Chicago with suspected drugs and a fake ID, officials said. What we know Jordan White, 28, was taken into custody on an active warrant for skipping a March 20 court date, where he faced felony charges including armed habitual criminal, felon in possession or use of a firearm while on parole, and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon with a prior conviction. Investigators located White outside a residence in the 2400 block of West Polk Street in the Tri-Taylor neighborhood. During the arrest, the Cook County Sheriff's Office said he was found with suspected cocaine, suspected heroin and a fake driver's license. White now faces additional drug-related charges, according to the sheriff's office. What's next He appeared in court at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse and was ordered held at Cook County Jail until his next hearing, scheduled for June 5.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Magnesium factory goes up in flames in south suburban Blue Island, firefighters battle overnight
BLUE ISLAND, Ill. — Firefighters have gained the upper hand after battling a blaze at a magnesium factory in south suburban Blue Island overnight, but it appears the building is a total loss. The fire was first reported around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Chicago Magnesium Casting Company in the 14000 block of Seeley Avenue in Blue Island. According to its website, the company was founded in 1953. It's an aluminum and sand casting foundry, specializing in aerospace. Woman struck by Cook County Sheriff's officer's squad car in Glenview dies The roof of the building caved in due to the fire, and firefighters were pouring water on the facility all night long. Skycam 9 was over the building early Thursday morning to get a bird's-eye view of the damage. See the video player below: Magnesium is highly flammable and can ignite easily under certain conditions, making the task very challenging for firefighters battling the blaze. So far, no injuries have been reported. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines 'It's a combustible metal, so yes, it's making it hard,' Jeff Cook, chief of the nearby Posen Fire Department, said. 'We've had a few explosions inside, but there's been no report of injuries.' Hazmat crews have also been at the scene, but so far no warnings have been issued to anyone who lives in the area. Firefighters say they will be there for some time keeping an eye on the facility. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
