Reward Offered for Merrionette Park Robbery Suspect

Not to scare anyone, but this was close to home. We all shop over in that strip mall. This actually happened back in October, but it was in yesterday's paper.

From the SOUTHTOWN STAR

Reward offered for Merrionette Park robbery suspect
December 31, 2008
BY WILLIAM LEE, Staff Writer

A $1,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the capture of a career criminal wanted for robbing an elderly woman in October in Merrionette Park.

Authorities on Tuesday announced the reward being offered by Cook County Crimestoppers for the arrest of Juan E. Landa, 46, of Calumet City, who with an accomplice attacked the 70-year-old woman near 115th Street and Kedzie Avenue on Oct. 25.

Police said one of the men grabbed the woman by the throat from behind and threw her to the ground. She suffered two broken vertebrae in her neck and a broken ring finger when one of the men violently tried to remove her wedding ring, according to police.

The woman remains traumatized by the event, Merrionette Park police Sgt. Anthony Ferenzi said.

Landa's alleged accomplice, Charles Hughes, 52, of Harvey, is charged with felony robbery and aggravated battery on Dec. 7 and is being held on $300,000 bail.

Landa has a 21-year criminal history of both violent and non-violent offenses, according to court records. Authorities believe that he might be in Harvey, where he has family, or Dixmoor and warn that he should be considered dangerous.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call Merrionette Park police at 708-396-3170. Tips can be anonymous.

Hopefully as these men are "career" criminals, they will go away for a long time.

Best fast food poll coming next

Best fast food coming next (tomorrow 1/2), these restaurants may have tables, but the majority of their business should be "to go." Give me your suggestions. Once a poll has received a vote, I cannot change or add to it. These restaurants should be in the 60655 zip..I know Beverly has some good ones, along with Alsip, Oak Lawn, etc. If you nominate one RIGHT ON THE BORDER, I will count it. Let's start the nominations!

2009 Predictions

Reader suggestion -

In and around" how about a predictions blog for Chicago as well as the ward and the area?
Home sales
foreclosures
crime
alder-changes
etc.

What's your prediction?