Homewood Police Blotter: Cook vs. Waitress, Free Taxi, Date with a Taser

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13

Cook vs. Waitress

A short order cook at a popular Homewood pancake restaurant was charged with battery after a coworker complained he grabbed her breast, according to reports. Police said the waitress told them Jose Montoya, 39, of the 2900 block of W. 40th St. in Chicago, grabbed her right breast and twisted it until she screamed in pain. The waitress told police that after grabbing her in Washington Square Restaurant's kitchen, Montoya laughed and walked away. The waitress complained to her manager and owner, but told police she fled the restaurant because she feared Montoya.

 The cook and waitress have worked together for years, and both are still employed by the restaurant, according to Washington Square representatives. Jim Tsakonas, a manager for Washington Square Restaurant, said restaurant staff had discussed scheduling the waitress and Montoya on different shifts pending the outcome of the May 5 court date.

Facebook Posts Anger Man

Even though his brother urged him to stop, police said, a Glenwood man punched out another man for posting Facebook comments about his sibling. Luis Alvarez-Gutierrez, 18, of the 400 block of Tulip Drive in Glenwood, accompanied his brother to the parking lot of Kohl's, where they confronted a Calumet City man who now dates that brother's ex-girlfriend, police said. Alvarez-Gutierrez' brother warned the Calumet City man he was tired of him talking about him on Facebook, according to reports. Police said Alvarez-Gutierrez then lost his temper and punched the man in the face, body and back. He was charged with battery and is scheduled to appear in Markham courthouse on May 20. Surveillance video from the store is being held in evidence. 

TUESDAY, APRIL 12

Shoved While Breastfeeding

A Homewood woman complained to police that her teenage daughter was pushed by her baby's father as she breastfed their newborn infant. After the 19-year-old Flossmoor man argued with the teen mother Tuesday evening, he pushed her forehead, causing her head to snap backward, according to reports. The grandmother was seeking an order of protection for her daughter and 3-day-old grandchild.

MONDAY, APRIL 11

Takes Good Converter, Leaves Bent Saw

A Willowbrook man returned to his 2002 Ford parked in the 1000 block of 175th Street Monday morning and found someone had used a reciprocating saw to remove the vehicle's catalytic converter, police said. A bent saw blade was found under the vehicle. The blade is being held in evidence and was tested for prints, police said. Tests for property crimes investigations are a lower priority than violent crimes, so results can take months. The cost to replace the converter was estimated at $300.

SUNDAY, APRIL 10

Date With A Taser

After an online date soured, police said, a Chicago woman spent her evening making fraudulent 911 calls, cursing out Homewood officers and getting Tasered in the station. Crystal Alexander, 25, told police she was dumped at the Speedway gas station at 18002 Halsted St. after refusing her date's amorous advances. Police said Alexander asked an officer for a ride to Chicago, and he drove her to the Homewood station to catch the train. However, police said, Alexander instead walked from the station to a nearby Starbucks and made two 911 calls threatening to harm herself. When police found Alexander, she said she made the calls to get a ride home, according to reports. Police placed Alexander in custody. She cursed the officers out and was Tasered on the left thigh after refusing to remove her coat, police said. Alexander was charged with disorderly conduct.

Stolen Wallet, Car Keys at H-F Racquet Club

A Flossmoor man told police someone took his car keys, then stole his wallet and cell phone from his parked car while he worked out at the Homewood Flossmoor Racquet & Fitness Club at 2920 W. 183rd St. The car keys were taken from an unlocked locker in the men's dressing room between noon and 1:45 p.m. Sunday.

Fights Fare, Wins Free Cab to Police Station

A Homewood man was arrested after refusing to pay a $46.80 taxi fare for a ride from Tinley Park to his hometown, police said. Conor G. Harvey, 31, refused to pay his A1 taxi driver, arguing that the fare was inflated, according to reports. After arguing for several minutes, officers said the driver gave Harvey a free ride to the Homewood Police Station at 17950 Dixie Highway. Police said they urged Harvey, who appeared intoxicated, to pay up and then appeal his bill to the cab company. When he refused to pay or leave the taxi, officers said they removed Harvey from the vehicle. Charged with resisting an officer, Harvey is scheduled to appear May 5 in the Markham courthouse.