Blotter: School Arson; Drunk on 'Shorties'

Arson arrest at school

A Niles North High School teen was arrested for arson on July 29. The juvenile asked his math teacher if he could go to the bathroom. In the bathroom, the student took out a white Bic lighter and lit a roll of toilet paper on fire. According to the police report, the bathroom quickly filled with smoke and set off the fire alarm. The entire school building was evacuated, including the 1,600 students attending summer school.

Drunk on "shorties"

Ronald Maurice Hunter, of the 1700 block of Emerson Street in Evanston, was cited for driving under the influence of alcohol about midnight July 29. Hunter was pulled over near Dempster and Crawford after the officer saw him make an extremely wide turn without using a turn signal. Once pulled over, Maurice told police, "I only drank two 'shorties' " and "I ain't taking no Breathalyzer test." Officers conducted a field sobriety test and after failing, Hunter was issued a DUI. "Shorties" are commonly known as 40-ounce malt liquor.

Residential burglary

Two Toshiba laptops valued at $1,000 each and a wallet with $150 cash were taken from the 8900 block of Forestview.  Police were told that brute force was used to break into the home about 7 a.m.

Editor's note: At Skokie Patch, we update our blotter daily and usually post it in the afternoon. All information is the most current provided by the Skokie Police Department. Any juvenile arrested will not have their names published. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in the court of law.