Latest news with #NapervillePoliceDepartment
Chicago Tribune
2 days ago
- Chicago Tribune
Family of missing Naperville mom, wife, renews calls for help as search continues
The family of a Naperville woman who has been missing for more than a week has put out a renewed call for help as authorities continue to try to locate her. Olasinmibo 'Sinmi' Abosede, 46, was last seen about 9:20 a.m. on Thursday, July 30, walking away from her home in the 2100 block of Sudbury Street, according to the Naperville Police Department. 'As you can imagine, the last few days have been very challenging for our family. We are struggling to cope with her absence,' Gbenga Abosede, her husband, said at a press conference Friday. 'Sinmi and I have been married for 18 beautiful years and are blessed with four wonderful children who miss their mom dearly.' Authorities have conducted multiple searches throughout the area for Abosede, including a large-scale search Monday through the Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve. Naperville Police Cmdr. Rick Krakow said Friday that authorities have put out bulletins to police departments nationwide. Other efforts to locate Abosede include conducting multiple canine tracks, drone operations and ground searches. Foul play is not suspected in her disappearance, police said. 'My wife is more than just my partner. She is my best friend and college sweetheart,' Abosede said. 'She's a gem of a woman, and the outpouring of love and support we have received from friends and well wishers is a testament to the impact she has had on so many people.' In a statement put out on social media Thursday by siblings of the missing woman, family members said Abosede was a 'devout and philanthropic Christian.' Abosede's siblings flew out from the United Kingdom to aid in the search for their missing loved one. 'Her absence has created an immense void in our lives,' the statement said. 'We know she is strong, but we also acknowledge that she could be in need of help.' On Tuesday, St. Raphael Catholic Community organized a praying of the rosary for Abosede, who is a parishioner of the church. St. Raphael has also distributed missing person flyers after Sunday masses and has posted missing person information in their narthex gathering space, according to a statement posted by the church on Friday. 'We will continue to lift her up in prayer, and our prayers also go out to her family during this difficult time,' Rev. Christopher Lankford, pastor at St. Raphael Catholic Community, wrote in the statement. Abosede is 5-foot-6 and weighs 190 pounds, according to Naperville police. She is a Black female with black hair and brown eyes. 'She left our home wearing her prescription glasses, a long sleeved black Adidas jacket with white stripes along the arms, gray pants, a dark head scarf and black crocs,' Abosede's husband said. 'It is possible she may have taken her jacket and scarf off.' Police also said Monday that Abosede was carrying a white water bottle and left her cell phone, credit cards and other personal items behind. 'My wife is a strong woman, but I am also worried about her well being and the distress she may be experiencing,' Abosede's husband said. 'We genuinely believe that with your eyes and ears, we can bring her home safely.' Anyone with information about Abosede is asked to call 911 or the Naperville Police Investigations Division at 630-548-1421.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Missing Naperville woman update: Search underway for Olasinmibo ‘Sinmi' Abosede at Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve
A large-scale search is currently underway for Olasinmibo 'Sinmi' Abosede, a missing woman last seen in Naperville, Illinois. Abosede was last seen on the evening of Wednesday, July 30, near the intersection of Sudbury Street and Lindsay Drive. Search is underway for missing Naperville woman Olasinmibo 'Sinmi' Abosede.(City of Naperville press release) Search underway at Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve On Monday, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County announced in a Facebook post that a coordinated search effort is taking place at Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve. 'We are assisting the Naperville Police Department with their efforts to locate a missing person, Olasinmibo 'Sinmi' Abosede, who was last seen in Naperville on the morning of Wednesday, July 30,' the post said. 'Beginning at 9 a.m. on Monday, the Naperville Police Department and the Naperville Emergency Management Agency will conduct a large-scale search at Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve. The search will involve approximately 30–40 trained volunteers and K9 teams.' 'The preserve and parking lots will remain open, but visitors may notice increased activity. Please follow any guidance from authorities and avoid interfering with search operations,' the post added. Also Read: Julian Brown went 'missing' for days before finally returning to social media. He now has an explanation According to the Illinois State Police, Abosede is 46 years old, 5 feet 6 inches tall, and weighs around 190 pounds. She has black hair and was last seen wearing a black head scarf, a black Adidas jacket with white stripes on the sleeves, gray sweatpants, and black Crocs. Police noted that she has a medical condition that places her at risk. Authorities added that foul play is not suspected in her disappearance. Also Read: Where is Giovanni Pelletier? 18-y/o leaves Florida by car with 3 individuals, disappears after sending 'Help Me' text Anyone with information regarding Abosede's whereabouts is urged to call 911 or contact the Naperville Police Investigations Division at 630-548-1421.
Chicago Tribune
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
National Night Out parties, activities planned in Naperville on Monday and Tuesday
Nearly 40 Naperville neighborhoods have registered to take part Tuesday in festivities for National Night Out, the annual initiative to enhance community spirit and strengthen the partnership between the police and residents. A wide variety of activities are planned to encourage one another to spend the evening outside together. Some may draw a few dozen people, while others plan for several hundred, said Julie Smith, Naperville Police Department's National Night Out coordinator. Cookouts, potluck dinners, food trucks, balloon artists, face painters, bounce houses and even an old-fashioned pie-eating contest will be among the activities occurring throughout the city, she said. Each neighborhood's party starts at a different time, with participating neighborhoods listed on the city's website at 'There's no right or wrong way to participate in National Night Out,' Smith said. Representatives from city departments, including police, fire, public works and animal control, will visit the neighborhood parties from 5 to 8 p.m. Smith said that helps put a face with a name, and officials enjoy interacting with residents. She noted that while members of the police department often see residents when there's a problem or a crime has occurred, National Night Out events allows for informal and positive interactions. The community celebrations also boost camaraderie among neighbors in a casual and fun evening, Smith said. 'We really make it a whole citywide celebration,' she said. This is the 29th year Naperville has been participating in National Night Out festivities, part of a nationwide effort to heighten drug prevention and crime awareness and generate support for local anti-crime efforts. But residents who live in neighborhoods that aren't planning an event won't be left out. The city is holding a community kick-off party at 6:30 p.m. Monday with festivities to be held at the Fry Family YMCA, 2120 95th St. Guests can check out police equipment, jump around in a bounce house, play games and enjoy food during the free, family-friendly event. At dusk, a movie will be shown outdoors with free popcorn. Each year the city chooses an area nonprofit organization to support, and this year, the city has partnered with Metropolitan Family Services. Together with Family Shelter Service, they offer help to those affected by domestic violence by providing emergency shelter services, a 24-hour hotline, and court and community advocacy for victims. Neighborhoods are encouraged to conduct a donation drive to benefit Metropolitan Family Services, which needs items such as diapers, personal care products like shaving cream, body wash and hair brushes, and household items such as laundry soap, blankets, sheets and bath towels. A wish list is located on the city's website. National Night Out was introduced in 1984 through a network of law enforcement agencies, neighborhood watch groups, civic groups, state and regional crime prevention associations and volunteers. The first event involved 2.5 million people across 400 communities in 23 states, according to its history. In the years that followed, National Night Out grew and neighborhoods across the country now host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and other events along with safety demonstrations and visits from emergency personnel. It's always held on the first Tuesday in August. This year, 181 cities in Illinois will be taking part in National Night Out events.
Chicago Tribune
26-07-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Eavesdropping complaint filed against Naperville D203 school board member
A Naperville District 203 School Board member censured in January for her conduct is now the subject of an eavesdropping complaint submitted to the Naperville Police Department and the DuPage County state's attorney office, according to documents obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request. In a letter sent to the state's attorney office from the district's legal counsel, district officials allege board member Melissa Kelley Black made a recording of a budget advisory committee meeting without getting the consent of those in attendance, as required by state law. No response to the complaint has been issued or charges filed as of this past week, according to the state's attorney's office. The recording came to light at a June 2 school board meeting at which budgetary issues were being discussed, documents show. During the discussion, Kelley Black said she had attended a May 14 meeting of the Citizens Finance Committee, a group made up of five Naperville community members, two district administrators and two board members, at which concerns were raised about district finances, including whether there would be a need to cut positions or to seek a tax referendum. As part of her comments, she mentioned that she had recorded the committee meeting. Because the committee is not a public body, its meetings are not covered by the Illinois Open Meetings Act, according to the letter from the district's attorneys. Participants would have to give permission to be recorded under state law. Kelley Black said during the June 2 meeting that her recording device was 'right in front of us,' which was also noted in the district lawyer's letter to State's Attorney Robert Berlin. In an interview with the Naperville Sun, she said she did not want to get into the details of the recording because it is the subject of a legal complaint, but stressed that she believes it is her duty as a school board member to ask difficult questions, especially on the budget, and to ensure district money is spent wisely. She said she welcomes a third-party investigation, and is certain she will be cleared of any wrongdoing. 'I am disappointed they so carelessly throw around accusations,' she said. At the June 2 school board meeting, Superintendent Dan Bridges made note of the fact that she had recorded what committee members had said, documents show. 'Did you get permission from everybody who attended or did you just violate the Eavesdropping Act in Illinois?' he asked. Later he said, 'I will be following up on the statement about recordings.' A list of members of the Citizens Finance Committee was provided to the Naperville Police Department by the district's attorneys. Police Chief Jason Arres responded via email that an 'investigation will begin promptly.' Bridges also contacted the committee members to let them know about the recording, and stressed that Kelley Black's action was not condoned by the school district or by board policies, according to documents received through the FOIA request. One member, whose name was redacted from the FOIA request, responded that they were 'somewhat shocked' that Kelley Black would record the meeting without their consent. Kelley Black, in an email sent to the Naperville Sun, said she believes Bridges deliberately ignored the budget questions she raised at the June 2 meeting by seizing on her comment about the recording. 'After requesting clarification from Superintendent Bridges regarding his comments about potential staff reductions, student service cuts and a possible referendum, I raised concerns about inconsistent financial messaging and the board's limited access to key financial documentation. This information is essential particularly as we continue voting on major capital projects and other long-term commitments. 'Rather than addressing these concerns collaboratively, the superintendent responded with public accusations and initiated a complaint without authorization from the board. I believe this response has generated unnecessary conflict and distraction at a time when unity and professional dialogue are especially important.' According to the district's communications department, the Citizens Finance Committee serves as an advisory group for the review of key financial matters, such as the budget, levy and audit. It meets two to three times a year in closed forums designed to encourage open dialogue. The committee does not have any decision-making authority, the district said. 'Due to the ongoing investigation into this matter, we are unable to comment further on the specifics of the incident at this time,' Lisa Xagas, assistant superintendent for strategy and engagement, said in an email. During a recent board meeting, Kelley Black said she believed the district was trying to indimidate her by having police officers come to her house to question her on the issue, especially right before the school board's self-evaluation session. 'There's something wrong that an elected official giving back to their community has to endure that,' Kelley Black said at the July 14 school board meeting. 'This just isn't good governance in my opinion. I think an outside evaluation would correct it and then we can all stop arguing and work together.' Kelley Black also questioned whether the district's lawyers, who represent the school board, should be involved in the matter. Legal counsel should advise the board as a collective body, not the private interests of an administrator or individual board members, she said. 'Our community entrusts us with the responsibility of using district funds, and we must ensure that every expenditure, especially for legal counsel, is aligned with the board-approved purposes and complies with our ethical obligations,' she said. At the meeting where she raised questions about the complaint, board President Charles Cush stressed that Bridges had openly stated that he planned to follow up on the fact that Kelley Black had said she recorded the meeting. 'There is a third party already investigating this, and they will handle it,' Cush said. Board Vice President Kristine Gericke added that she believes it is her responsibility to alert authorities when she believes a law has been broken. 'I heard an admission of what I reasonably thought was breaking a law,' she said. '…I also believe it's important for the community to understand that we do take our responsibilities very seriously, and that to me was common sense to report that we felt a law was broken.' In an email back to Kelley Black, Cush accused her of trying to distract from the issue at hand. 'Your attempt to attack and threaten the superintendent for performing his duties as the administrative head of the District is clearly an attempt to divert attention from your misconduct,' he wrote. 'The District will continue to cooperate in having a review of your admissions on recording private discussions without consent. In the meantime, the Board meeting will proceed as scheduled and the Board will continue to conduct the business of the District.' The board has had previous conflicts with Kelley Black, and in January voted to censure her for unprofessional and damaging actions, citing her disclosure of private student information, spread of false information and release of collective bargaining information. Kelley Black, who was elected to the board in April 2023, denied the allegations. She has said she is a proponent of transparency, wants to ensure fiscal responsibility and ran for school board because of her love of education. Board members said at the time that they had tried to resolve issues with her over her conduct for about a year and a half before acting to censure her. According to recent documents, the school board is still trying to resolve those issues. The board wrote to Kelley Black in April notifying her that she was in violation of a censure resolution. 'Member Kelley Black continues to disrupt Board meetings, both open and closed sessions, with frequent unwarranted criticism and attacks on the Superintendent and his administrative team,' according to a June letter from Cush to the DuPage County Regional Office of Education. The letter states that the criticism and attacks are generally performative and Kelley Black willfully refuses to read the information provided to her by the administrative team. 'Tragically, the Board has had to divert significant resources including public funds purposed for its educational mission to address Member Kelley Black's willful refusal to perform her duties,' according to Cush's letter, which was prepared with the help of the district's attorney. Kelley Black said she was unaware of the letter and worries that decisions are being made by individual board members and not as a collective body. 'I have never once received a complaint from a parent or a staff member,' Kelley Black said.
Chicago Tribune
21-07-2025
- Chicago Tribune
Man arrested on charges he shot woman in her Naperville home Friday night
A Chicago man who allegedly shot a woman in her home Friday night has been arrested on two felony charges, according to DuPage County court records. The suspect, 33-year-old Carnell Polsey, was faces one count each of reckless discharge of a firearm and aggravated battery. He was denied pretrial release at a court appearance Saturday. The 33-year-old victim told police she returned to her home in the 1800 block of Santa Fe Drive about 8:30 p.m. to allegedly find Polsey lying in the living room holding a handgun and smelling of alcohol, records said. While the two were no longer a couple after dating for about 15 years, the woman had been allowing Polsey to stay with her for about three weeks. When she asked Polsey why he had a gun, he allegedly told it was for protection, the report said. The woman said him guns were not supposed to be inside the house and told him to leave, according to her account. As she walked to her bedroom where her 9- and 15-year-old sons were sleeping, she 'heard a pop' and started bleeding from her leg, according to court records. Police were called and the victim initially taken to Edward Hospital in Naperville before being moved to Good Samaritan Hospital, where court records say she was last reported to be in stable condition. The victim told police she thinks Polsey shot her by accident because he was allegedly intoxicated, court records state. The children also told police that Polsey was drunk that evening. Polsey also allegedly kicked a Naperville police officer in the torso as he was being placed inside a squad car, according to court records. Two firearms were recovered from the scene: a polymer P90 unserialized firearm — commonly referred to as a 'ghost gun' — and a 1911 .45-caliber pistol. Court records also said Polsey, who told police he hadn't intended to fire the gun, did not possess a Firearm Owners Identification card. His next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 11. The Naperville Police Department did not put out a news release on the shooting over the weekend because 'these types of incidents are often joint releases with the (DuPage) county,' Naperville police Cmdr. Rick Krakow said in an email.
