Saturday, February 15, 2025 | View in browser
Weekly Deployment Meeting Highlights
In this post, a community member who sits in on the Evanston Police
Department’s weekly Deployment Meeting, shares notes on the topics discussed and writes about public safety matters of interest to people who work or live in Evanston.
Lost and Found
One glance at this week’s crime map below tells the story. It was an extremely quiet week for crime, which made for a brief deployment meeting and makes for an equally brief INSIDER.
Notable, though, were the five stolen vehicles that were recovered in Evanston. Three of them, a 2017 Nissan Altima, a 2017 Dodge Charger, and a 2009 Jeep, were reported missing inside Evanston city limits. The remaining two were from Chicago. There were no other reported car thefts in Evanston during the deployment period.
The Dodge Charger was stolen from the 1300 block of Judson during the overnight hours of Jan. 20-21. On Feb. 6, it was discovered on the west side of Chicago, with a handgun and two stolen license plates inside. Three juveniles were taken into custody.
Most of the auto thefts in Evanston are perpetuated by teens and young adults who steal and abandon cars primarily for the thrill of joyriding, seek a quick adrenaline rush without concern for the consequences, or for no-cost transportation. The penalties for stealing a car can range from a misdemeanor (up to one year in jail and a $2,500 fine) to a felony (5-30 years in jail). Not exactly kid stuff.
Details of other incidents covered in the meeting follow.
Weekly Crime Map
 Click to enlarge
Deployment Presentation – February 12, 2025
Aggravated Assault
On Feb. 8, a caller reported that a female subject brandished a firearm as she was passing the victim’s residence. According to the victim, the woman had also been sending threatening text messages. Video footage was unable to capture a firearm. Detectives are investigating.
Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon
Officers were deployed on a burglary suppression mission on Feb. 10 around 10:30 p.m. when they observed a male subject in the 800 block of Mulford behaving suspiciously. Upon conducting a street stop, they learned the man had a revoked FOID card. He attempted to refuse a pat-down, but officers were able to secure him, discovering a loaded Taurus 9 mm handgun in his jacket pocket. He was subsequently charged with two felony counts of aggravated UUW.
Arrest
On Feb. 12, a known narcotics user with two active Cook County arrest warrants was taken into custody in the 300 block of Howard. A search led to the recovery of suspected crack cocaine and heroin. She was charged with two counts of PCS (possession of a controlled substance) and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Assist Outside Agency
EPD assisted a tactical team from Chicago’s 24th District (Rogers Park) in serving a search warrant for a suspected shooter’s residence in the 5800 block of N. Kenmore. A firearm thought to have been used in the shooting was recovered.
Burglary
Motor Vehicle Burglary
Between Feb. 9 and Feb. 10, a 2008 Hyundai Accent was ransacked in the 200 block of Custer. A small amount of change was missing.
Residential Burglary
A victim reported the front door to her residence was unlocked and her purse missing while out of town between Jan. 29 and Feb. 5. She reported that her passport, checkbook, credit cards, and clothing were taken.
Criminal Damage to Property
In what may be becoming a national trend, Tesla vehicles parked on streets may fall victim to taggers. This happened in Evanston on Feb. 9 in the 600 block of Judson.
News You Can Use: If you own a Tesla, park indoors if you can.
Weapons-Related
Person with a Gun
- On Feb. 11, a caller reported seeing a man with a rifle in an alley in the 1000 block of Washington. Officers were able to contact a family member who reported that the man was suffering from a mental health issue. He was taken, without incident, to an area hospital.
- On Feb. 10, security footage captured two male subjects displaying what appeared to be handguns at McDonald’s in the 1900 block of Dempster. The pair fled the restaurant. Officers were unable to locate them or their weapons. No one was injured, and nothing was taken.
Shots Fired
This week, there were three shots fired calls. Officers called to those scenes were unable to locate evidence in the form of bullets, damage, or shell casings.
- Feb. 11 in the 1900 block of Ashland. Two shots were heard.
- Feb. 10 in the 1400 block of Grey.
- Feb. 7 near Fowler and Greenwood, 3-4 shots heard.
Random Notes
- A Special Watch has been issued for the Church Street Parking Garage. Residents of the adjacent building have reported difficulty navigating the fourth and fifth floors due to the presence of unhoused individuals sleeping there overnight. Officers will offer information about available resources and/or refer subjects to the CARE team.
- Evanston Dog Beach passes will be available starting Feb. 17. All the information you need is here.
- Applications are currently being accepted for the English and Spanish Community Police Academy’s upcoming Spring 2025 sessions.
Inquiring Minds: Is a Jumping Dog a Crime?
 The usual suspects. No bad dogs, just bad owners.
"Is it assault if a dog on a leash jumps at a pedestrian? What is the legal responsibility of a dog owner in public?"
INSIDER turned to Executive Commander Glew for the answer:
“It depends on the circumstances, but typically no. In general, a dog owner could be held responsible if their dog jumps on someone and causes injury, but whether it rises to the level of an assault or a battery (a criminal offense) would depend on intent and jurisdictional laws.
Here are some key considerations:
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Intent: Assault typically requires intent to cause harm or fear of harm. If the owner deliberately encouraged the dog to jump on someone aggressively, it could potentially be considered an assault.
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Negligence vs. Criminal Act: If the owner negligently allowed their dog to jump on someone and cause injury, this is more likely to be a civil matter (e.g., liability for medical expenses or damages) rather than a criminal assault.
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State/Local Laws: Some jurisdictions, Evanston included, have laws about reckless endangerment or dangerous dogs, which could apply if the owner knew the dog was prone to jumping and failed to control it.
- If the incident resulted in an injury, the victim could potentially pursue a civil claim for damages. However, for it to be criminal in nature, there would typically need to be evidence (witness testimony or video) that the owner intentionally used the dog as a means of attack."
Unless the canine is within the confines of Evanston’s Dog Beach, the city requires all dogs to be leashed. If you’re a dog owner, the best way to protect the public and your pooch is to observe the leash law and keep your animal under control on a short leash at all times. Click here for a video about leashing your dog.
Send us your questions. What would you like to know? We’ll respond with an answer in the next issue or two. Comments and suggestions are welcome too. Contact us here.
The weekly deployment report is an informational bulletin prepared by a community member that keeps citizens informed about what police do on a weekly basis. Information contained in this report is not to be considered as a media/press release. Any information considered by a media source from this bulletin needs to be verified by an official from the department. This can be done by contacting the media line at 847-866-5026.
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