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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.

Uncivil Disobedience

The suspect vehicle

You’re out for a drive. Maybe you’re catching a quick bite. Or coming home from work. Then something like this happens.

It was noontime on May 12 when a motorist reported that he was traveling eastbound on Dempster when a white BMW following closely behind his vehicle began driving aggressively and blasting its horn. The victim pulled over to let the BMW pass. The driver of the BMW pulled alongside him and began yelling and pointed a handgun at him. The offending vehicle was captured via Flock cameras and was identified as a rental car. 

On May 7 around 5:45 p.m., a man reported that he was at the intersection of Church and Chicago when he encountered an occupied SUV illegally parked in the bike lane. He knocked on the offending vehicle’s window to notify the driver that she was blocking the bike lane. The driver of the offending vehicle responded by throwing rocks at the man, who retreated to his vehicle and drove off in the direction of EPD headquarters. The driver of the offending vehicle followed him there, exited her car, and sprayed him in the face with pepper spray. EPD detectives have followed up, and security video exists. Pro tip: if you see a violation, call the professionals at 847-866-5000. Please allow parking enforcement or the police to address it. 

Otherwise, it was a comparatively quiet week. Details of other incidents covered at the meeting follow.

Weekly Crime Map

Click to enlarge

Deployment Presentation – May 14, 2025 

Assist EFD—On May 12, EPD units responded to the 1900 block of Warren to assist EFD with an active house fire. Residents of the home were safely evacuated. The fire department was able to extinguish the blaze, which was not deemed suspicious in nature.

Bike Theft

• On May 13, two secured bicycles were stolen from the yard of a residence in the 1100 block of Dodge. The caller saw a juvenile riding one of the bikes and attempted to follow her in his vehicle, but she was able to ride away.
• Between May 2 and May 7, a secured bicycle was stolen from the 1000 block of Davis. 

Burglary

Garage Burglary—Between May 12 and May 13, a subject entered an unlocked garage in the 2300 block of Cowper and took a bicycle.

Motor Vehicle Burglary—On May 11, a victim reported the driver’s side window was broken and a Glock 19 9mm handgun stolen from his parked vehicle in the 2200 block of Howard.

Residential Burglary—three (including one attempt) this week:

• On May 13, an offender attempted to enter a residence in the 600 block of Oak by using a pry tool.
• A resident reported items missing from her home in the 1900 block of Foster on May 9. 
• Cash was reported missing on May 8 from an apartment in the 2000 block of Brown.

Catalytic Converter Theft

Two last week, a day apart near Madison and Ridge:

• Reported on May 12 in the 1100 block of Madison from a 2013 Toyota.
• Reported on May 11 in the 1000 block of Madison from a 2017 Toyota.

Domestic Disturbances—ARRESTS

• A Wanted Bulletin was issued on May 13 for a man who has persistently harassed a former partner, caused damage to property, and violated several Orders of Protection. Later on that day, EPD received a tip and was able to take the offender into custody. He was charged with multiple counts of violation of an Order of Protection.
• On May 6, a woman reported that she was assaulted by her boyfriend. The EPD Detective Bureau disseminated a Wanted Bulletin for the man on May 9, and the next day, he was taken into custody and charged with domestic battery.

Graffiti—Two were reported, both on May 12. One on park property in the 300 block of Dodge and the other on an electrical box in the 600 block of Main. (Nature of the graffiti, messages or images were not reported.) 

Package Theft—Between May 10 and May 11, a package was taken from a residence in the 2500 block of Prairie.

Pickpocket - A female reported that an iPhone was removed from her purse as a couple, appearing to wait for seating, stood close to her table at a restaurant in the 600 block of Howard on May 10. 

Weapons Related

Shots Fired

• Police were unable to locate evidence in the form of shells or bullet casings in response to calls of shots fired in the 1800 block of Madison on May 13.
• Multiple EPD Units responded to the 1700 block of Payne around 10:30 p.m. on May 12 for several reports of shots fired. EPD Officers located a man inside his vehicle who said he was driving his car when he was approached by a man who asked if he was from the area. The victim said that as he attempted to drive off, the offender fired several rounds at his vehicle. During the victim’s attempts to escape the gunfire, he struck several parked vehicles. Police observed several bullet holes on the victim's vehicle; shell casings were recovered in the 1700 block of Payne. The incident was captured on EPD POD cameras. An investigation is underway.

Inquiring Minds: What Legalities are Involved with Carrying a Knife?

This is a ballistic knife. It's illegal.

This week’s question comes from Reader B.W. “It’s my understanding that if you have a knife on your person in public with a blade of 2 ¼” or less, you not considered to be armed with a dangerous weapon. Is that correct? Is having a knife in public the same as having a gun? Or is the crime you might be charged with a function of what you might do with the knife?”

Carrying a knife here is generally permissible, but it's essential to understand the nuances of Illinois law to avoid potential legal issues. 

State Law & Restrictions

• Generally Legal: In Illinois, individuals can legally own and carry various types of knives, including pocketknives, hunting knives, and utility knives.
• Restricted Types: Certain knives are either illegal to possess or have specific carrying restrictions:
• Ballistic Knives: (A ballistic knife is a knife with a detachable blade that can be ejected to a distance of several meters or yards by pressing a trigger or operating a lever.) Federal law prohibits these.
• Switchblades (Automatic Knives): Legal to own and carry for individuals 21 and older with a valid Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) card.
• Knives with Blades 3 Inches or Longer: These face stricter regulations, especially in restricted locations.
• Restricted Locations: Carrying knives, whether openly or concealed, is restricted in certain places, including schools, courthouses, and government buildings. And of course, airports.

What You Need to Know

Be aware of the specific types of knives restricted in Illinois. Consider Blade Length & Location: Be mindful of blade length, especially in restricted areas, and avoid carrying knives with blades 3 inches or longer in such locations.

• Concealed vs. Open Carry: While Illinois doesn't have specific concealed carry restrictions for knives, concealing knives with blades 3 inches or longer without a valid reason may lead to issues.
• Intent Matters: Avoid carrying knives with the intent to harm or use them unlawfully.

Thanks for the great question, B.W. 

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.