West Cook News

River Forest, IL – On December 14, 2024, at around 1:37 AM, a River Forest Police Officer noticed a vehicle parked with its lights off in the 500 block of Thatcher Ave. The officer followed the vehicle as it drove without lights and informed other officers. The vehicle was stopped at Chicago Avenue and Jackson Avenue. The driver, a juvenile without a valid license, was arrested for the traffic offense. Officers then began removing three juvenile passengers from the vehicle.

During this process, officers found what seemed to be a firearm under items on the rear floorboard. Further investigation revealed it was an airsoft pistol; another airsoft pistol was also found.

Approximately fifteen Pride flags were recovered from the vehicle. These flags appeared to have been forcefully removed from several homes. One victim in River Forest identified one of these flags as belonging to their residence. All individuals in the vehicle were arrested but refused to provide statements. The Cook County State’s Attorney Felony Review Unit was contacted; however, the case could not be classified as a hate crime.

Robert F. Tansey, an adult passenger aged 18 from Harlem Avenue in River Forest, faced charges of misdemeanor theft and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The three juveniles were petitioned to Juvenile Court for theft and curfew violations and released to their parents. Traffic citations were issued to the juvenile driver.

Chief James O'Shea remarked that "These hate-based incidents won't be tolerated in our community," emphasizing that "The Village of River Forest continues to advocate for victims and witnesses with regard to these ugly and insensitive crimes."

Residents who have experienced similar incidents or possess information or video related to these thefts are encouraged to contact River Forest Police at (708) 366-7125.