By Mark Weyermuller -
In Chicago, the police are often under constant attack from politicians, community activists, and the mainstream media. Perhaps it might be better if we show more support of the police rather than constantly criticize them? They have a very difficult job. They are the "thin blue line" between criminals and potential crime victims.
This past Monday the Chicago Police showed huge restraint when they captured a person suspected of invading a Wrigleyville home. The suspect was running from police carrying a large butcher knife in a busy area near Wrigley Field. He had alleged assaulted a woman during the home invasion in the 900 block of West Cornelia Street. The police used tasers to subdue him, resulting in no injuries to police, civilians, or the suspect himself. The chase lasted about ten minutes, involving up to 35 police officers. I was a block away when the event unfolded and monitored police radio communications.
What immediately came to mind was the LaQuan McDonald incident, where he too, was alleged to be carrying a knife while being pursued by police. That incident ended much differently. It's very hard to second guess police in these situations because if they don’t use lethal force, more victims could be injured or even killed.
It’s odd to me that there is very little mainstream media coverage of Monday’s arrest. Perhaps this particular arrest should be front page news – praising the Chicago Police.
Police must decide if their lives are in jeopardy and if they must use lethal force to stop a threat. They need to protect their own lives along with civilians who may be nearby. It’s a situation police face on a daily basis. There have been 46 police officers killed in the line of duty nationwide this year. This includes a police officer killed yesterday on a routine traffic stop in Atlanta, Georgia. That officer's name has not been released yet.
This year, two Chicago Police Officers were killed in the line of duty while pursuing suspects. Samuel Jimenez was killed last month at Mercy Hospital while responding to a domestic situation. Commander Paul Bauer was killed while chasing a suspect at the State of Illinois Building downtown in February of 2018. I knew the Commander and attended his funeral. I reported on the funeral on Illinois Review.
Here are the two official reports from Chicago Police News Affairs: They include another incident with a suspect holding a knife which police were able to defuse, but not before an officer got injured.
900 Block of West Cornelia on 10 DEC 18 at approximately 3:36 p.m.
Lorenzo Shorter, 22 year old male offender made entry into an apartment complex, and entered the residence of a 29 year old female victim. The offender put her in a headlock, and the 29 year old female was able to escape. She went into another room to call police. While the victim was in the other room calling police, the offender ransacked her apartment and grabbed a butcher knife from the victim's kitchen.The male then fled the residence. Police responded, and observed Shorter in the street with a knife. Shorter attempted to flee from police at which time, police tased him in order to detain him. The offender was transported to IL Masonic Hospital and has been placed into custody. The victim sustained no injuries at this time. Shorter was charged with Attempt-Murder-First Degree, Home Invasion/Cause Injury, resisting/obstructing peace officer, UUW-Weapon-carry with intent knife and aggravated battery/strangle. He will appear in court on December 12, 2018 at 2600 South California.
6900 Block of West Foster on 05 DEC 18 at approximately 5:19 a.m.
Officers responded to a domestic disturbance. Upon arrival Robert Aranda, 57 years old was armed with a knife. In an attempt to disarm the offender, an Officer sustained a laceration to his left hand. Aranda was tased and placed into custody. The offender sustained a laceration to his forehead due to falling after being tased. The offender was transported to Resurrection North Hospital for treatment. The Officer was transported to a local hospital and was treated and released. Offender was placed into custody and charged with aggravated assault and two counts of aggravated battery. He appeared in court on December 6, 2018 at 5555 West Grand.
I might support a few solutions being proposed to help slow crime as we seem to see the reports daily. I suggest supporting our police. In addition there should be more disclosure and release of information on suspects and offenders as to arrest records, bond status, court proceedings, and why these criminals are not in jail. In addition, I support programs like “stop and frisk” and in general letting police do their jobs.
In this case Monday I commend the police in the Lakeview for doing a great job in defusing an extremely dangerous situation. It should also be noted that tasers often do not work and often involve officers having to be a very close range with a suspect.
Mark Weyermuller is small business person, real estate professional, and conservative activist in Chicago. He is a citizen journalist and regular contributor to Illinois Review. Mark can be heard weekly on the radio in a "man in the street segment" at 5:31pm as a regular guest on the Stephanie Trussell Show heard Saturday afternoons 3-6pm on 50,000 watt WLS 890-AM.
