Burglary Tools, Live Ammo Found In Backpack Of Man Lurking In Yards: Police

OAK LAWN, IL—A “suspicious person” was apprehended with burglary tools and live ammo early Tuesday morning after he and an accomplice were spotted lurking in yards near 105th Street and Kedvale Avenue, Oak Lawn police said.

Jeremy Powers, 19, of Chicago, was charged with one felony count of possession of burglary tools and a misdemeanor charge of possession of ammunition without a FOID.

Around 3:50 a.m., Oak Lawn police officers responded to a reported burglary in the 10500 block of South Kedvale Avenue. The homeowner was alerted to activity near his garage and observed two men leaving his driveway near the rear of his residence. The pair were reportedly walking southbound.

The homeowner later discovered that the two had entered his garage, but nothing appeared to be missing, police said. Officers immediately established a perimeter and deployed a drone. Bourbon police's K-9 unit was brought to the scene in an attempt to locate the two. Residents in the area were notified of the police activity through a Smart911 alert.

Following an extensive search within the perimeter, the two men were not located. Police later received delayed reports indicating the same pair had been seen walking through backyards around 5:40 a.m. in the 10700 block of South Laporte Avenue, and at approximately 5:40 a.m., one of the two was seen in the 4600 block of West 99th Place.

At 6:22 a.m., police said an alert citizen, who had received the Smart911 notification, observed one of the pair walking near 101st Street and Kilbourn Avenue.

OLPD units immediately established a perimeter and deployed a drone, along with a Burbank Police Department K-9 unit, in an attempt to locate the individuals. Residents in the area were notified of the police activity through a Smart911 alert.

After an extensive search within the perimeter, the subjects were not located. OLPD later received delayed reports indicating the same two subjects had been seen walking through backyards at approximately 5:10 a.m. in the 10700 block of South Laporte Avenue, and at approximately 5:40 a.m., one subject was reportedly seen in the 4600 block of West 99th Place.

At 6:22 a.m., an alert citizen, who had received the Smart911 notification, observed one of the men walking near 101st Street and Kilbourn Avenue and notified OLPD. Responding officers located and detained the man, identified as Power of the 7800 block of South Phillips Avenue in Chicago.

Police said officers also found an unattended backpack containing burglary tools, including screwdrivers, a pry bar, a glass beaker, and 26 live rounds of 9mm ammunition. Power allegedly admitted the backpack was his, and video evidence was recovered showing him wearing it. He was taken into custody and transported to the Oak Lawn police station. Police said Power implicated himself as one of the two individuals spotted roaming backyards and streets.

Detectives have identified the second person of interest, and the investigation remains ongoing.

“OLPD extends its appreciation to the alert citizen whose actions directly contributed to Power’s apprehension,” police said in a statement.

Residents who wish to receive Smart911 notifications are encouraged to create a safety profile and register at Smart911. Residents can also register their cameras through Connect Oak Lawn. Please text tips/video to 708-613-TIPS (8477).