CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago police are seeking to identify a man wanted in connection with an attempted sexual assault on the city’s Northwest Side. ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch The crime happened around 3: 54 p. m. Feb. 6 in the 2000 block of West North Avenue, CPD said. Police said the victim was walking into work when a man threw her to the ground and pinned her down. Two people walking by intervened. No further information was available as Chicago police continue to investigate.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/chicago-crime-police-searching-suspect-attempted-sexual-assault-west-north-avenue-northwest-side/18626889/
Category Archives: crime
Inventor of “signal sniffer” discusses its use in the Nancy Guthrie search
Investigators in Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance are using a device called a “signal sniffer” to try to detect transmissions from her pacemaker. David Kennedy, former NSA hacker and inventor of the pacemaker signal detector, joins CBS News to discuss his work with law enforcement in the search.
https://www.cbsnews.com/video/pacemaker-signal-detectors-inventor-discusses-its-use-in-the-nancy-guthrie-search/
West Loop community shocked after video shows man robbed at gunpoint, beaten in broad daylight
CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago’s West Loop community was left in shock after a brazen attack and armed robbery was caught on video this week. The video may be difficult to watch. The armed robbery happened in the middle of afternoon Thursday as people were out and about in the West Loop. Chicago police say they are still looking for the suspects. ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch “I watched the video like 10 times and I was just a lost for words,” Jars store manager Ashley Shannon said. Shannon says she was in the back working at the West Loop store during the crime. It wasn’t until later in the day she found out the attack happened right outside the shop. “I was in the back working with the mixer and the mixer is a little loud, so I didn’t really hear any commotion outside really,” Shannon said. “You know this is Chicago, and we know that things can happen anywhere, but it’s like literally at my doorstep.” The video has since gone viral. ABC7 has blurred the face of the victim to protect his identity. It shows two people robbing a man at gunpoint in broad daylight in the Fulton Market District in the West Loop. Chicago police confirmed they are investigating the attack as an armed robbery and battery. It happened around 4: 23 p. m. afternoon in the 200 block of North Peoria Street, near Lake Street. The video shows two people surrounding a man on the ground, and at one point one of them hits the victim in the face while pointing a gun. Chicago police said the robbers took the man’s belongings before driving off in an SUV. Police say the victim declined medical attention. SEE ALSO | Wendella boat crew pulls man from Chicago River who had fallen off downtown bridge “I think most of the time you think something like that happens at night, but you see it happening in the middle of the day,” resident Marcus Smith said. “Kind of not even being hidden. It’s probably the most alarming thing about it.” Julie Darling is president of the West Loop Community Organization. She says the area has already seen an increased police presence and urges people to stay vigilant. “We do have heavy police presence here in Fulton Market, and it’s something that our organization has been fighting for a long time, and we finally received it last August, where we do have permanent patrol in the neighborhood,” Darling said. “Police can’t be every corner, unfortunately, but we do have a rapid response time now. I’m usually walking with a purpose so I’m usually moving pretty quick too,” Smith said. “But outside of that, you know, you just got to pray you don’t run into a situation like that.” Chicago police say area detectives are still investigating. Anyone with information has been asked to give police a call.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/chicago-crime-west-loop-community-shocked-video-shows-man-robbed-gunpoint-beaten-broad-daylight-peoria-street/18597664/
Jury acquits suspect of murders, rules guilty of attempted manslaughter
A man charged with two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder in connection with a March 2022 shooting at a Fairfield convenience store was found not guilty of those charges earlier this month. The jury ruled him guilty only on a single count of attempted voluntary manslaughter.
Trine Daniel Martinez, 29, of Fairfield, admitted to driving to the 7-Eleven store in the 200 block of East Tabor Avenue at 5 a.m. on March 13 to buy three Modelo brand beers. He also admitted to being armed with a Glock 17 semi-automatic handgun when he entered the store in the pre-dawn hours. However, Martinez claimed that his actions were in self-defense after being aggressively confronted by three or four men.
The jury returned its verdict on Wednesday. Martinez is scheduled to return to the courtroom of Judge William Pendergast on February 2 for a bail review and to discuss a pretrial services report from probation. The maximum sentence for attempted voluntary manslaughter is 5.5 years.
In addition to these charges, Martinez still faces allegations of assaulting a correctional officer while in jail in October 2024. He is set to appear again before Judge Pendergast in a court trial—where the judge, rather than a jury, will decide the matter—on February 26 at 8:30 a.m.
According to prosecutors, Martinez was accused of shooting and killing Earl “Wayne” Wyatt III, 44, of Fairfield, and Damion Davis, 36, of Suisun City, in or near the parking lot of the 7-Eleven on East Tabor Avenue. He was also charged with the attempted murder of Victor Walters, then 28, of Suisun City, in the same area. The jury, however, found him guilty only of the attempted voluntary manslaughter of Walters.
Deputy District Attorney Bill Ainsworth led the prosecution.
Court documents reveal that Martinez turned himself in to the Fairfield Police Department and was arrested on March 14, one day after the shootings. Surveillance camera footage at the crime scene identified him as the suspect. Martinez did not make a statement after his arrest and was accompanied by criminal defense attorney Daniel J. Russo of Vallejo.
At trial, Martinez was represented by criminal defense attorney Thomas Maas.
https://www.thereporter.com/2026/01/26/jury-acquits-suspect-of-murders-rules-guilty-of-attempted-manslaughter/
Dental office employee accused of stealing more than $57,000 in patient payments
**Utica Woman Accused of Stealing Over $57,000 from Dental Office**
Utica, N.Y. — A woman who worked at a local dental office is accused of stealing more than $57,000 in patient payments by depositing the money into her personal checking account, police said.
In November 2025, a dentist in Utica reported to police that one of his employees might have been diverting payments made to the office into a personal bank account, according to a news release from the Utica Police Department issued Tuesday.
Following subpoenas and a thorough review of bank records, investigators determined that the suspect had indeed deposited over $57,000 into her personal accounts.
Siden Lieu, 35, of Clinton, turned herself in Tuesday morning. She was charged with second-degree grand larceny and first-degree falsifying business records.
https://www.syracuse.com/crime/2026/01/dental-office-employee-accused-of-stealing-more-than-57000-in-patient-payments.html
Pedestrian killed in Fountain Valley crash; Toyota driver arrested on suspicion of DUI, manslaughter
A pedestrian was killed in a crash involving a suspected DUI driver Monday night, Jan. 19, in Fountain Valley, police said.
Officers were dispatched around 7:30 p.m. to the intersection of Warner Avenue and Newhope Street, where they found a man who had been struck by a Toyota Camry, the Fountain Valley Police Department reported on Tuesday. The man was pronounced dead at the scene.
The pedestrian’s identity has not yet been released, pending positive identification and notification of his family.
The driver involved in the crash, identified as 47-year-old Bruce Schlusemeyer, remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators, police said.
Following a preliminary investigation, Schlusemeyer was arrested on suspicion of multiple counts, including felony driving under the influence and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
The crash remains under investigation by the department’s Traffic Bureau, and no additional details were immediately available.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information is urged to contact the Fountain Valley Police Department Traffic Bureau at 714-593-4481.
https://www.ocregister.com/2026/01/20/pedestrian-killed-in-fountain-valley-crash-toyota-driver-arrested-on-suspicion-of-dui-manslaughter/
3 suspects wanted for robbing CTA Red Line passenger in Englewood, police say
Chicago Police Seek Three Suspects in CTA Red Line Robbery
CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago police are searching for three individuals involved in a strong-arm robbery that took place on a CTA Red Line train last month.
The incident occurred on December 19 around 6:40 p.m. near West 63rd Street and South Wentworth Avenue in the Englewood neighborhood.
The suspects include two men and one woman. Authorities provided the following descriptions:
- One man was wearing a maroon sweater under a black jacket paired with white shoes.
- The second man wore a surgical mask, black jacket, and black pants.
- The woman was dressed in a black jacket, black pants, and red shoes.
Chicago Police Department has released images of the suspects and urged anyone with information to come forward.
Further details about the case are not yet available.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch.
Several arrested for heroine, meth trafficking in Cumberland
**Ongoing Investigation Leads to Heroin and Methamphetamine Arrests in Cumberland’s New York Section**
*By Jennifer McDaniels, Harlan Enterprise*
An ongoing investigation resulted in multiple heroin and methamphetamine arrests on Saturday in the New York Section of Cumberland. Cumberland Police Department (CPD) officers, assisted by deputies from the Harlan County Sheriff’s Office, served a felony warrant that led to the arrests.
According to CPD Officer Aaron Smith, the investigation has been underway for an extended period, originating from other drug-related inquiries in the area.
“These investigations require coordination and thorough work to ensure cases are built properly and charges are supported by evidence,” Smith explained. “We do not rush these cases, and we act when the time is right.”
The names of those arrested are being withheld for now, as the investigation appears to be part of a larger operation potentially connected to the New York Section arrests.
The charges from Saturday’s arrests include possession of methamphetamine, trafficking methamphetamine, trafficking heroin, possession of drug paraphernalia, and a convicted felon in possession of a handgun. All arrests were made without incident.
“Saturday’s arrests were conducted safely and without incident,” Smith said. “Officer safety and public safety remain our top priorities during all enforcement actions.”
The New York Section of Cumberland has been a hotspot for many of CPD’s drug-related complaints. While such reports come from various sources and areas, this section has been a particular concern for both residents and law enforcement.
Smith noted that other drug arrests had been made just a few nights prior, only a couple of houses up from the location of Saturday’s arrests.
“We arrested five individuals for drug charges,” Smith said. “Drug activity is not confined to one location, and we respond wherever complaints, intelligence, or criminal activity is identified.”
The recent arrests demonstrate CPD’s serious commitment to addressing the community’s drug problem. Officers dedicate countless hours to investigations, surveillance, and coordination with partner agencies to remove illegal drugs from Cumberland’s streets.
“We are committed, proactive, and relentless in protecting our community from the harm caused by narcotics,” Smith emphasized.
Cumberland Mayor Charles Raleigh acknowledged the high number of arrests made by his police department.
“One of my focuses as mayor has been to tackle the drug problem, not only for residents’ safety but also to clean up our streets and make Cumberland more appealing to business investors and tourists,” Raleigh said. “I think it’s safe to say that if you look at what department has the most arrests in the county, it’s Cumberland PD.”
He added, “Our police department is sending a strong message to both dealers and addicts alike: take your habits and drug business somewhere else. If you stay here, your life will be very, very miserable. I’d like to thank our police officers for the vigilant job they are doing. I, as mayor, back them 100 percent.”
While progress is being made, Officer Smith stressed that the fight against drugs in Cumberland is ongoing.
“Arrests and seizures disrupt drug operations, but enforcement alone does not eliminate the problem,” he said. CPD remains proactive and is committed to sustained efforts addressing the issue.
Smith also called on residents to take an active role in the fight against drug use and trafficking.
“Residents can help by reporting any suspicious activity, drug trafficking, or related crimes to the Cumberland Police Department,” he encouraged. “Tips from the community are often critical to investigations. We also encourage residents to look out for one another and support prevention.”
Joining Officer Smith in Saturday’s operation were CPD officers Sean Halcomb and Paul Bailey. They were assisted by Harlan County Sheriff’s Office deputies Jeremy Jones and Chauncey Tudor.
Investigations continue, and additional arrests or charges may be forthcoming as more information develops.
“We’re working all hours, days and nights to address the drug issue in our area,” Smith said.
Community members can submit tips to the Cumberland Police Department by calling 696-589-2105.
https://harlanenterprise.net/2026/01/18/several-arrested-for-heroine-meth-trafficking-in-cumberland/
Police find ‘horror movie’ of stolen bones in alleged graverobber’s home
A Pennsylvania man has been arrested for allegedly stealing dozens of bones, skulls, and human remains from a historic cemetery. Authorities revealed that Jonathan Christian Gerlach was found to have corpses hanging from the ceiling of his home during the investigation.
Gerlach was apprehended Tuesday following a months-long probe into a series of body snatchings at the 200-acre Mount Moriah Cemetery, located in the Philadelphia suburb of Yeadon. He now faces 500 criminal charges related to these grisly burglaries, which began in November.
According to police, Gerlach, 34, of Ephrata—about 90 minutes west of Philadelphia—used extreme methods such as rappelling into mausoleums and prying open underground vaults to remove human remains dating back more than a century.
Authorities tracked Gerlach after an investigator noted his vehicle plates, which showed he had been near Yeadon repeatedly during the times when the thefts occurred. On January 6, police conducting surveillance spotted his car inside the cemetery. Gerlach was seen exiting the grounds carrying a crowbar and a burlap bag. Bones and skulls were visible inside his vehicle when he was taken into custody.
Gerlach allegedly admitted to stealing approximately 30 sets of human remains from Mount Moriah Cemetery and described how he accessed the burial sites.
“In my 30-year career, this is probably one of the most horrific things,” said Yeadon Borough Police Chief Henry Giammarco. “There was an infant among the remains, and as a father and grandfather, that truly tears your heart up. When people are laid to rest, that’s important.”
Later that night, authorities executed a search warrant at Gerlach’s home and a storage unit. They recovered more than 100 full or partial sets of human and skeletal remains.
Delaware County District Attorney Tanner Rouse described the scene: “Very simply, detectives walked into a horror movie come to life in that home. Some of these remains are 200 years old, while others are much newer—one even had a pacemaker still attached.”
Rouse added, “It is truly, in the most literal sense of the word, horrific. I grieve for those who are upset by this, who are going through this, and who are trying to figure out if it is in fact one of their loved ones.”
Investigators also uncovered online activity linked to Gerlach. This included posts in a “Human Bones and Skull selling group,” where a buyer thanked him for mailing “a possible teen” as well as “a baboon and a monkey,” according to authorities. Other social media posts showed Gerlach posing with a skull, captioned, “riding a Harley, and slinging skulls.”
Following a review of the evidence, prosecutors approved a broad list of 500 criminal charges against Gerlach. These charges include burglary, trespassing, abuse of a corpse, theft by unlawful taking of stolen property, and multiple counts related to desecration of burial places and public monuments.
Gerlach is currently being held at the George W. Hill Correctional Facility on $1 million cash bail. The investigation remains ongoing, and officials noted that additional remains could still be identified. At this time, it is unclear if any of the remains were sold or what motivated Gerlach to collect them.
https://nypost.com/2026/01/10/us-news/police-find-horror-movie-of-stolen-bones-in-alleged-graverobbers-home/
Two men fatally shot after Little Village armed robbery, police say
Two men were shot and killed following an armed robbery at a Little Village business on Saturday evening, according to Chicago police.
Officials reported that just before 6 p.m., an unknown man pulled out a gun and stole unspecified property from a business located in the 3800 block of West 26th Street.
After leaving the business, the gunman got into a fight outside with a 63-year-old man and a 25-year-old man, shooting both multiple times, police said.
Both victims were transported to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition, where they later succumbed to their injuries. Their identities have not been released.
The suspect fled the scene, heading south on Springfield Avenue in a white SUV. At this time, the suspect remains at large. Police detectives are actively investigating the case.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/08/two-men-fatally-shot-after-little-village-armed-robbery-police-say/