Thursday Blotter: Ecstasy Bust, ATM Skimming Suspects

Ecstasy among drugs in bust

Police responded to a battery complaint in the 4800 block of Hull Street on March 14 around 10 p.m. When police arrived, they saw two white males bleeding and leaning against a parked car.

Two men said they were just attacked by several black males, who fled southbound on Lamon Avenue. They provided police with a description of the suspects' vehicle.

Moments later, police spotted a vehicle matching the description with four people inside. During a search of the car, officers found six star-shaped pills that they suspected was ecstasy. They also discovered a quantity of marijuana.

In the end, police brought in the occupants in for questioning. They were Samuel N. Gaines, 30, of the 8800 block of Lavergne Avenue; Ralph L. Edwards, 35, of the 8800 block of Robin Street in Des Plaines; and Michael George Homa, 29, of the 8300 block of Kimball Avenue.

It is unknown what charges were filed at this time.  

Video shows ATM skimming suspects

On March 15 around 10 a.m., Harris Bank officials in Skokie notified police that they might have a good lead on two suspected ATM skimmers. When police arrived on scene, they were shown video footage of two white men, who appear of Eastern European origin, placing a skimming device on an automated teller machine (ATM).

Harris Bank, which has fell victim to almost a dozen ATM skimmings in the Skokie area, said a camera and another device had been used to steal hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars from customers. To read more about ATM skimming, click .

Cash taken in gym theft

Police were dispatched to Life Time Fitness, 5300 Old Orchard Rd., regarding a theft on March 15 around 5:30 p.m. According to the report, a customer left his locker key next to his towel while he used the indoor pool. The man told police that when he grabbed his towel, he noticed his locker key missing.

The man reported that $20 in cash was taken from his locker, but no other items were missing.

High-end car parts stolen

Police responded to a theft from a motor vehicle in the 8000 block of Skokie Boulevard on March 15 around 6 p.m. According to the report, an unknown method was used to gain entry into a Volkswagen sedan and steal more than $2,000 of high-end car parts, such as custom gauges and electronic equipment.

Police hear phone threats

A woman came into the Skokie police station to report that her former boyfriend, Sameed Queeshi, made threatening phone calls to her on March 10. She saved the messages and replayed them for police, who heard Queeshi make several death threats. Police are investigating the matter.