Established 1930

Fallen Hometown police officer Lt. James Kouski Jr. was escorted through the community where he was born and raised and served for 34 years. The procession passed down Southwest Highway around 10:30 a.m. on Monday. 

Kouski, 58, a resident of New Lenox, was fatally struck by a speeding car on Saturday morning while investigating a DUI crash at 90th Street and Pulaski Road. He was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center where he died from his injuries. 

Otis M. Pruitt, 27, is charged with reckless homicide and felony driving under the influence, according to sheriff’s police. He was also treated at Advocate Christ Medical Center for injuries, and his blood-alcohol content exceeded .008% three hours after the incident. 

At a hearing Monday, Pruitt’s bond was set for $1 million. According to the state’s attorney’s office, if he posted bail, he would have to post 10% to be released and would be on electronic home monitoring. 

Mayor Kevin Casey said that this was the police department’s first line-of-duty death since 1957.  

Full story available in the Oak Lawn Independent

After a thorough investigation by the Oak Lawn Police Department’s Detective Division and after consulting with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, felony charges have been filed as a result of the shooting that occurred at the Oak Lawn Hilton shortly after midnight on March 30. After midnight on March 30, the Oak Lawn Regional Emergency Communication Center received a 911 call of shots being fired at the hotel, and were able to stop two vehicles that were attempting to leave the scene. During their initial investigation, 8 adults were taken into custody for investigation.

Isaac Sharp, 24, from Chicago, has been charged with being an Armed Habitual Criminal and Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm. Sharp is also currently on parole for an Unlawful Use of a Weapon conviction and faces a parole violation. Marcus Shears, 21, also from Chicago, has been charged with Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon for his involvement in the incident. Three other individuals have been charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance and a fourth individual has been processed for an arrest warrant out of Lake County for Domestic Battery. 

Both Isaac Sharp and Marcus Shears were transported to the Bridgeview Courthouse for a bond hearing on April 1. 

Full story available in the Oak Lawn Independent

The Police Club Officer of the Year Award Presentation to Pat O’Donnell by Chief Daniel Vittorio took place at the March 23 Village Board Meeting. In his speech, Chief Vittorio spoke of Pat’s qualifications. In 2020 he made 25 felony and 35 misdemeanor arrests. Officer O’Donnell has taken two guns from felons, including one on parole for bank robbery. On two occasions he discovered illegal narcotics on two offenders who he has developed into Tactical Unit informants. The speech ended with, “Officer O’Donnell is an asset to the Oak Lawn Police Department and the citizens of Oak Lawn. Officer O’Donnell’s outstanding performance and individual leadership serves as a model for other patrol officers.” He was joined by his parents, his wife and child and his fellow officers at the presentation.

After the presentation, the village president and members of the council thanked him, and all officers and other city employees who serve the public throughout the year.

Full story available in the Oak Lawn Independent

Not only will you find the Easter Bunny hopping around the Oak Lawn Park District, but you will also find this furry friend visiting at the Ice Arena’s “Hello Spring” Skate event, from 1 to 2:15 p.m., on Sunday, March 28th.

Join in for a special Open Skate as your favorite Springtime pal visits. Admission is $7 and skate rental is $4. Pre-registration is required and limited. Registration is accepted online at www.olparks.com using code 311000-0328.

Ice Arena is located at 9320 S. Kenton Ave.

For more information, contact 708-857-5173.

Full story available in the Oak Lawn Independent