Police Blotter: Thrifty Bus Riders End Up in Jail

TUESDAY, MAY 17

"I'm Here!"

Richard Phillips, 28, of the 200 block of Charles Street, was arrested and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol after police stopped him on Ashland Avenue. He was "weaving" in and out of street lanes, according to reports. Police asked Phillips how much he had to drink before driving, and Phillips replied, "It's on the wall right there," pointing to a nearby garage door. Police said Phillips then became  belligerent, shouting "I'm not (expletive) driving. I'm here!"

MONDAY, MAY 16

Battery

Willie L. Riley, 57, of the 600 block of South Wabash Avenue ,was arrested and charged with battery after a witness told police Riley punched another man in the face at Riviera Manor at 490 W. 16th Place.

Stolen Dinnerware and TV

A 46-year-old Crete man told police his antique set of plates and dishes with gold trim and a 40-inch flat screen television were stolen from a property on Emerald Avenue.

Pistol Possession Arrest

Dejean M. Lee, 18, of the 1500 block of Wallace Street, was arrested and charged with unlawful use of a weapon after he pulled a loaded pistol out of his pocket when police were approaching him, police said. Lee dropped the gun and fled, but was captured. Another man, who was with Lee at the time, was also arrested, but was released without charges. DeAndre D. Cherry, 18, of the 1400 block of East End Avenue was not so fortunate. He was arrested and charged with obstructing and resisting after he tried to interfere with police.

Jumped On or Tipped Over?

A 45-year-old homeless man found bleeding from his eyes and head told police some guys had "jumped" on him. After being taken to the emergency room at St. James Hospital, the man told police he fell over after he had been drinking. Police said the man appeared to be "highly intoxicated."

No Fare

Christian Sanders, 18, of the 19400 block of Glenwood Road, and Marquita R. Smith, 19, of the 19700 block of Terrace Avenue in Lynwood, were arrested after Sanders refused to get off a Pace bus when he wouldn't pay the correct fare, according to reports. Police had to wrestle with Sanders to get him handcuffed and Smith began pulling the officer's arm and refused to get out of the way, according to police. She was arrested as well. Sanders was charged with criminal trespassing and resisting, and Smith was charged with obstruction, police said.