Publications & Sites 
River Forest Police Blotter, July 9-16
Updated: August 20, 2012 10:57AM
The following incidents were listed among the official reports of the River Forest Police Department. Readers are reminded that an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt. Only a court of law can make that determination.
River Forest
THEFT
Barbara L. Cooper, 59, of 5207 W. Ferdinand, Chicago, was arrested at Whole Foods, 7245 Lake St. at 1:16 p.m. July 10. Store security officers told police they observed Cooper allegedly placing nail polish into her shoulder bag, then place a bag of kettle corn and a cup of fresh fruit into the bag and leave the store. Store security officers say they recovered $41.63 worth of merchandise from Cooper. She was charged with felony retail theft due to prior convictions for retail theft. A judge ordered her held without bond.
DISORDERLY CONDUCT
Officers dispatched to a burglar alarm at Roosevelt School, 7560 Oak Ave., at 11:45 p.m. on July 10 found two River Forest boys inside the school. The 16-year-old and 17-year-old were arrested and cited on local ordinance citations for criminal trespass to property and curfew violation. They were released with a pending administrative adjudication hearing date.
Police on patrol in the River Forest Town Center at 7:30 p.m. July 13 attempted to question Mark G. Serdivk, 33, of 3252 Maple Ave., Berwyn, but Serdivk ran off. After a brief foot chase he was arrested at 123 Harlem Ave. in Forest Park. Serdivk was issued local ordinance citations for disorderly conduct and interfering with a police officer.
BURGLARY
A Garmin GPS device, charger, an I-Phone charger and approximately $2 in assorted coins were stolen from an unlocked car on the 800 block of Clinton Avenue between 7:30 p.m. July 9th and 8 a.m. July 10.
Between 11 p.m. July 9 and 5:50 a.m. July 10, someone entered a locked car on the 1100 block of Harlem Avenue and stole approximately $3 in assorted coins.
Between 5:50 p.m., July 9 and 8:30 a.m. July 10, someone entered a locked car on the 7200 block of Oak Avenue and removed approximately $6 in coins.
A home on the first block of Franklin Avenue was burglarized between 7:50 p.m. and 10:35 p.m. July 10, by a thief who forced open the rear door to the residence and entered. A Nintendo DSI, a Vera Bradley floral print wristlet containing $3-$5, and Italian train ticket stubs were stolen from a bedroom.
DRUGS
Police on patrol in the River Forest Town Center at 7:30 p.m. July 13 arrested Harry M. Biles, 29, of 2045 W. Jackson, Chicago, and issued him a local ordinance citation for possession of marijuana.
ALCOHOL
Francisco M. Cuello, 25, of 1307 N. 15th Ave., Melrose Park, was stopped after allegedly weaving over the double yellow lines as he traveled westbound on the 7900 block of North Avenue at 12:47 a.m. July 16. Cuello continued to drive for nearly a mile before stopping at 5th Avenue. After seeing signs of alcohol intoxication, the officer requested Cuello perform field sobriety tests, which he allegedly failed. A post-arrest a Breathalyzer exam indicated his blood alcohol concentration was .159. Cuello was cited for DUI, DUI in excess of .08, no valid driver’s license.
Graciela K. Desoto, 19, of 2644 N. Erie, River Grove, was allegedly traveling 50 mph in the 30 mph zone on the 1200 block of Harlem Avenue at 1:50 a.m. July 14. Police reportedly observed her allegedly using a parking lane to pass a vehicle on the right, then disobey the red light at Harlem and North Avenues. Desoto reportedly failed field sobriety tests, then registered a .122 blood alcohol concentration in a Breathalyzer exam. Desoto was charged with DUI, DUI in excess of .08, speeding, improper overtaking on the right, and disobeying a traffic control signal.
