Thursday Blotter: Fake Drug Sale Foiled; Mugging Recalled

Mugging behind Taco Bell

On Aug. 11 at 10:35 p.m., officers responded to the 8200 block of Keating on an alleged strong robbery attempt. The victim was walking behind Taco Bell, 8329 Skokie Blvd., when someone from behind tap him on his right shoulder. The victim was punched in the right cheek when he turned and was pummeled by "three or four black males." The suspects stole his shoes, cell phone, pager, credit card and $200 in cash.

DUI arrest

On Aug. 8 at 1:49 a.m. officers pulled over Erin McMurtrey, 21, of the 1700 block of 55th Street in Chicago, for a traffic violation near the 5100 block Touhy. Officers detected a strong alcohol odor from McMurtrey and asked her to blow into a Breathalyzer. She had a .136 blood alcohol content level and was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Attempt to sell phony drugs

About 7 p.m. Aug. 3, officer pulled over Sergio Chaves, 18, of the 500 block of South Sherman in Evanston, for multiple traffic violations. Police realized Chaves did not have a valid driver's license and searched his car. They found a white powdery substance that Chaves said was reptile food. According to the report, Chaves said he was going to sell it to an individual that was looking for heroin near the 4600 block of Oakton. He later revealed to officers that he was in the gang "Four Corner Hustlers" and that gang members store multiple guns and drugs at his residence. Chaves signed a waiver allowing police to search his home and was issued citations for not having a valid driver's license, no proof of insurance and unsafe movements. The white powdery substance was sent to a lab for testing. Chaves is scheduled to appear in court Sept. 15.

Missing flower pottery

About 12:30 p.m. Aug. 10, officers responded to a call on the 4800 block of Greenleaf about missing flower planters. The woman told police three decorative flower planters, valued at $70 each, were taken from her residence between 7 and 12:30 p.m.

Fifth egging in 5 days

On Aug. 9 at 11:10 a.m., officers responded to the 9200 block Keller to write a report about another egging of a residence. The victim said the vandalism occurred between midnight and 1 a.m. It marked the fifth egging in five days in Skokie.