Gang Members Go 'CRZY' on the Graffiti

Fresh gang graffiti—and some old—was found in Oak Lawn's western neighborhoods between Oct. 6 and Oct. 11, Oak Lawn police reports said.

Upside-down crowns and pitchforks dissing the Latin Kings and Satan’s Disciples dotted garages on Melvina and and Moody Avenues, and in Columbus Manor and Centennial Parks.

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At 8:53 a.m. Oct. 6, someone spray-painted black graffiti on an overhead garage door on the 9800 block of South Melvina Avenue, that included an upside-down three-point crown. The homeowner told police she did not see or hear anything overnight and was certain the graffiti was not on her garage before going to bed the night before, police said.

Other graffiti left on the garage included “52N” and “Smiley,” possibly indicating a Krazy Get Down Boys or Ambrose street gang affiliation, according to the Chicago Crime Commission Gang Book. Both gangs are allies and active in the southwest suburbs.

Similar graffiti was found at another address in the 9800 block of South Melvina Avenue; a garage in the 9800 block of South Moody Avenue; and a garage on Oak Lawn Park District property at 9400 S. Oak Park Ave.

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Another homeowner told police the garage in the 9800 block of South Moody belonged to a vacant home adjacent to his own property. The graffiti included 5-2, “CRZY,” “MAC-MAN,” Smiley, Trigga, an upside down crown with and upside down pitchfork.

Around 10:48 a.m., Oct. 7, “52,” “Crzy” and “Smiley” hit Columbus Manor Park at 9953 S. Moody Ave. The gang symbols were spray-painted in black on a backboard in the basketball court. A wooden bench was also broken.

Latin King-gang graffiti was discovered scratched and etched in marker on playground equipment at Centennial Park, 9401 S. Oak Park Ave. on Oct. 11. Police said the graffiti appeared to have been there for while.  

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