Thief Swipes Veterans Donation Bucket At Chicago Ridge Bar: Cops

CHICAGO RIDGE, IL — Police have released a photo of a man they believe emptied a donation bucket for veterans at a Chicago Ridge bar Friday evening.

Over the past several years, Kathy McKinney, owner of Jessie’s Tavern, 10425 S. Ridgeland, Chicago Ridge, has placed a bucket out where patrons can throw their spare change. The money she collects is donated to local veterans organizations. McKinney says the bar donates about $1,000 a year to help veterans.

The bucket was out as usual on a crowded Friday night, when a man was captured on security video taking the bucket and putting it under his coat, police said. Video showed the man walking out. A few minutes later, he reentered the bar and put the empty bucket back.

When staff realized that the bucket was empty the next morning, they filed a police report.

“The way he did it on the video, he was so cool and calm,” said Chief Jim Jarolimek, of the Chicago Ridge Police Department. “I think he’s a repeat offender who frequents bars.”

Nobody in the crowded bar noticed the sleight of hand theft, Jarolimek said.

“This wasn’t his first theft, he was too cool and collected,” the chief added. “He’s an opportunist. It’s sad, it’s a veterans' donation bucket raising money for all that time.”

Since posting surveillance images on the Chicago Ridge Police Facebook page, Jarolimek said investigators have gotten a lot of responses to check out. The total amount of stolen donations is approximately $100.

Anyone who recognizes the man in the photo is asked to call Chicago Ridge police at 708-425-7831 ext 221.

Do you know this man? Chicago Ridge police want you to call them at 708-425-7831 ext 221.