Missing AK-47, Stabbing Claims; AT&T Worker Breaks Gate: Blotter

BUFFALO GROVE, IL — The following information comes from the Buffalo Grove Police Department and court records as a record of incidents reported to police and those arrested on criminal charges, which represent accusations by the state that are often dropped or reduced.

Updated information may be available from the Lake County Clerk of the Circuit Court. Everyone arrested is presumed to be innocent unless found guilty in court beyond a reasonable doubt.

INCIDENTS

FRAUD

• A resident reported at 4:25 p.m. May 26 that they had sold their mother's phone on Facebook and were asked to ship it to Florida by the buyer. The resident thought they were using the Cash App to make the transaction, but instead, an app impersonating that app was used and was asking the resident for an additional $700 via email. Cash App advised the resident to contact police.
• A business owner in the 1300 block of E Busch Parkway called police at 5:06 p.m. May 22 to report they received a suspicious invoice for products they did not order. The invoice stated the business ordered 1,500 USB flash drives, valued at $11,425. The owner believes an unknown person created a fraudulent email and letterhead using the business's logo. The owner told police they have not lost any money and taken all the precautions to ensure their business isn't associated with the fraudulent activity, which was determined to originate from Pakistan.

DISPUTE

A customer at the Shell Gas Station, 185 Milwaukee Ave., called police at 11:38 p.m. May 25 to report they had pumped gas for the amount of $10, but were instead charged $60. A manager told police that the customer was only charged $10 and that's what will show in their bank account when the transaction posts. The manager mentioned that this has happened before to another customer and would speak to the other manager to remedy the situation.

IDENTITY THEFT

A resident reported at 1:06 a.m. May 28 that their employer's human resources department contacted them stating a fraudulent unemployment claim was filed with the Illinois Department of Employment Services out of Mt. Vernon using the resident's social security number, name and employment details. The employer marked the claim as fraudulent with IDES.

SUSPICIOUS NOISES/INCIDENTS

• A person at South Buffalo Grove Road called police at 1:23 a.m. May 26 to report hearing a loud noise in the next door neighbor's apartment. They are currently house sitting at the residence. Police investigated and the source of the noise remains unknown.
• A resident of University Court reported at 11:51 a.m. May 25 some suspicious incidents happening around their household recently. They said their Simply Safe Alarm did not trigger when they entered their residence through the basement door. They also believed they heard scratching coming from the attic in the crawl space. Police advised the resident to call if the resident hears suspicious noises at night and how to contact the alarm company.

DECEPTIVE PRACTICE

A resident reported at 3:36 p.m. May 23 suspicious activity on the website CareerBuilder. They had submitted their resume to the website on May 12 and received a reply for a data entry position on May 18. They were instructed to download an app and add the name of a representative of BJC Healthcare. The resident followed instructions and began having online chats through the Trillian app with the representative. The latter told the resident to send their driver's license, a copy of a current utility bill and telephone number. The resident was told upon receipt of these items, they would receive a phone call in the next 72 hours. The resident was notified that they got the job with BJC Healthcare and would be sent a package with instructions to start the position. The resident received a check in the amount of $2,500 for various office supply expenses, were told to deposit it and let the representative know when it was done. Not feeling comfortable with this transaction, the resident notified CareerBuilder and police.

DISTURBANCE

Police responded to a disturbance at 11:37 p.m. May 23 at the Fireside Terrace Condos, 600 block of Grove Drive. A resident said a friend was refusing to leave and had attacked them. Police met with the person, who was highly intoxicated and said they had been stabbed in the right leg. The officer only observed old scars on the person's leg with a mall red mark not consistent with a stab wound. The resident told police that there were three men in their unit and two of them had just met today. The resident said one had an AK-47 tucked in his front waistband. The resident said a friend has also been stabbed. The resident declined medical assistance. When police entered the apartment, they were told the gun could've been tossed off the balcony. The other people in the apartment were also intoxicated. Police detained the men and no gun was found, and no one else had been stabbed. Upon the resident's request, all the men agreed to leave for the night.

CIVIL MATTER

• Residents called police at 7:38 p.m. May 28 to report hiring someone to build a deck for them. The contract was for $4,400 and that they had paid $3,200 on April 16. The owner cashed the check, dropped off material for the job, built the footings for the deck and then left. The business owner put the wood in the grass in the backyard, which ended up damaging the grass, according to the residents. They called and texted the business owner for the next 3-4 weeks to find out when the job would be completed. The owner gave many excuses, including that they were hospitalized with COVID-19, and told them to hire someone else. They received seven new estimates and were told the footings were not done properly, and they would need to start over. They were also told the wood was warped from being left out in the rain. The residents eventually hired a new company to complete the deck and asked the business owner of the original project to send their money back. The owner refused, citing they used the money for materials and the footings they put in. When contacted by police, the business owner said the residents broke the contract and owed them money. Police advised all parties this was a civil matter and suggested they speak with their attorneys.
• A person called police at 2:32 p.m. May 23 to report purchasing a ceiling on Facebook Marketplace for $40. The buyer picked up the fan two days prior and when they got home, several pieces were missing. The buyer attempted to contact the seller and was unable to reach them. The buyer drove to an address on Willow Parkway in an attempt to get a refund and requested police assistance. Police advised the buyer that this was a civil matter, but agreed to assist in making contact with the seller. No one answered at the property and a voicemail was left, though police could find no contact information for the seller. A neighbor stated a couple resides at the address and are currently stuck in China due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. Police advised the buyer to check items purchased when buying items unknown sellers online.

RETAIL THEFT

The manager at Woodman's, 1550 E Deerfield Parkway, reported at 10:26 a.m. May 24 that a customer, an off-duty Illinois State Trooper, witnessed another customer stealing meat and beer from the store. The manager didn't know what was stolen at the time of the report. The customer told police she saw a man place meat into a bag and exit the store through the liquor department without paying.

THEFT

A resident called police at 3:56 p.m. May 22 to report they purchased a piece of sports memorabilia form Facebook Marketplace. The person they bought a signed Derrick Rose photo on May 5 for $90. The buyer told the seller they would send part of the money, but send the rest when they received the item. The buyer used Zelle to send $55 on May 18. They received a FedEx envelope on May 22 with just a blank shipping label inside. The buyer attempted to contact the seller, but said they've been since blocked. The buyer said they will continue trying to contact the seller before pressing charges.

ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY

A University Drive resident reported at 3:22 a.m. May 23 AT&T forcefully pulled open a gate without permission —resulting in wood being ripped off — and breaking the gate closure lock, which had been secured for safety reasons to avoid trespassing. The resident saw the AT&T technician walking across the backyard, who told them they were looking for a utility box not located on the property, instead on the street behind the residence. After seeing the damage, the resident asked the employee to call their supervisor to report it, which they did.

ARRESTS

WARRANT

Nina Marie Quintana, 30, of Wheeling, was accused of having two warrants for her arrest out of the DuPage County Sheriff's Department and was arrested at 2:54 p.m. May 23. While on an ambulance assist on Oak Creek Drive, police observed Quintana in the parking lot. She was given two bonds for $10,075 and $7,575, respectively. Quintana was given a court date of June 26 at the DuPage County Court House in Wheaton.

DRIVING ON SUSPENDED LICENSE

Marion Patrick Ade, 57, of Arlington Heights, was accused of driving on a suspended/revoked license and driving without insurance, and was arrested on May 19. Bond was set at $2,500 and a court date of July 17 was set.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

Gary H. Nerwin, 58, of Rolling Meadows, is accused of diving under the influence of alcohol, among other charges, and was arrested on May 23. He was also charged with driving with a blood alcohol level above .08; driving with no insurance and operating an uninsured vehicle; failure to reduce speed/crash; and damage to village property. Bail was set at $1,000 and he is due in court on July 8.

Past Buffalo Grove Police Blotter

• Reckless Driver Arrest; Pork Chops Theft; Cigar Dispute: Blotter for May 15-21