DES PLAINES, IL — A lost wallet containing suspected heroin at Rivers Casino led to the arrest of a Melrose Park man, according to the latest Des Plaines Police Department crime report.
Police also reported two domestic battery arrests, an alleged drunken driving incident near Rivers Casino and several recent theft reports.
The following information comes from the Des Plaines Police Department and court records. An arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.
POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE
Jerome Wilkins, of the 900 block of North 18th Avenue, Melrose Park, was charged with possession of a controlled substance following an incident at Rivers Casino, 3000 S. River Road.
Police said casino staff found a purple bag containing a white powdery substance inside a lost wallet that was identified as belonging to Wilkins, who was still inside the casino.
Wilkins initially denied owning the substance but later told police the bag contained heroin, according to the report. Police said additional bags containing suspected heroin were found during searches of Wilkins and a police vehicle used to transport him, including one concealed in his shoe.
All three substances tested positive for heroin and had a combined weight of approximately 3.33 grams, police said. Wilkins was released with a notice to appear in court.
DUI, RESISTING/OBSTRUCTING A PEACE OFFICER
Scott C. Rog, of the 3700 block of Country Club Avenue, Gurnee, was charged with driving under the influence, resisting or obstructing a peace officer and expired registration following an incident at Rivers Casino.
Police said officers were initially called to the casino regarding an intoxicated person who was refusing to leave. Officers located Rog, who police said had watery, bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and a strong odor of alcohol, and escorted him from the property.
Police later saw Rog driving a white Acura north on River Road near Oakton Street at a high rate of speed and swerving, according to the report.
During a traffic stop, Rog refused field sobriety testing and repeatedly refused commands to exit the vehicle, police said. After a supervisor arrived, Rog allegedly resisted officers' attempts to place him in handcuffs.
Rog was later released from police custody with a citation and a Nov. 6 court date.
DOMESTIC BATTERY, CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY
Michael W. Hardiman, of the 2000 block of Eastview Drive, Des Plaines, was charged Sept. 21 with domestic battery and criminal damage to property stemming from a Sept. 11 incident in the 1700 block of Stockton Avenue.
Police said Hardiman entered a residence and punched a victim twice on the right side of the face and head before he was removed from the home. Hardiman then allegedly kicked the front door several times, causing damage.
Police said the victim and homeowner wanted to pursue charges, but Hardiman refused to make contact with officers when they attempted to reach him at his residence.
Hardiman was taken into custody by detectives Sept. 21 and charged.
DOMESTIC BATTERY
Jason Stafin, of the 2400 block of Ballard Road, Des Plaines, was charged Sept. 21 with domestic battery following an incident in the 2400 block of Ballard Road.
Police said Stafin slapped a victim twice in the face, grabbed the victim by the wrist and pushed the person against a wall before striking the victim with a closed fist. Officers reported seeing visible injuries.
Stafin was taken into custody and transported to Lutheran General Hospital for a medical evaluation after complaining of a medical condition, police said. After he was cleared, he was taken to the Des Plaines Police Department lockup and charged.
IDENTITY THEFT
A resident of the 1400 block of Oxford Road reported Sept. 21 that an unknown person used the victim's personal information while attempting to purchase a 2026 Toyota Tundra from an auto dealership in Godfrey.
Police said the dealership became suspicious and contacted the victim, who confirmed having no involvement in the attempted purchase. Copies of a fraudulent driver's license and proposed bill of sale were provided to investigators.
BATTERY
Police investigated a battery involving a juvenile victim near Eaton Field Park in the 2900 block of South Craig Drive.
The victim told police two people confronted him while he was riding his bicycle. One of them allegedly grabbed the bicycle's handlebars, causing the victim to fall.
The victim sustained slight redness to his right knee but reported no other injuries, according to police.
THEFT OF MISLAID PROPERTY
A person reported that a cash voucher worth approximately $905 fell from his pocket while he was at Rivers Casino, 3000 S. River Road.
Police said an unknown person recovered the voucher, redeemed it and left the casino.
THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE
A resident of the 2000 block of Nimitz Drive reported that an unlocked Toyota Camry had been entered while it was parked on the street.
The victim discovered the vehicle's center console and glove box open and reported that an Illinois driver's license and credit cards had been stolen. The victim canceled the cards and obtained a replacement license, police said.
The victim also told officers that vehicles belonging to family members had been burglarized. Police said items related to those incidents had been recovered during a separate stolen-vehicle investigation.
LAST TIME: DUI Arrest, Hotel Theft — Des Plaines Police Blotter
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