Assaults near University Hospitals this morning

Between 5:20 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., Monday, July 31, two women were approached from behind in separate incidents by a man who pushed each against a wall and fondled them. The first incident occurred on East 57th Street between University and Ellis Avenue, and the second on South Ellis Avenue between 57th and 58th Streets. The man was described in both incidents as an African American in his 20's, about 6 feet, 190, with his hair in neck-length braids, and wearing a black baggy shirt and black baggy pants. Both stepped away from the offender and left him quickly. Neither victim was injured. Both victims described him as staring at them afterwards and “snickering.” Police are investigating.

Crime in Jackson Park

*Since the beginning of May there have been ten incidents reported to police within the Jackson Park area south of the Museum of Science and Industry, East of Cornell Drive, West of Lake Shore Drive and north of 67^th Street in which individuals or pairs of individuals have been assaulted by from one to several men, male juveniles, and in three of the incidents, women or female juveniles. The offenders have used their fists, bottles, a steel pole, and stones. In one case, a victim was robbed at gunpoint. In one case, the victim died of his injuries. These incidents have generally occurred in the evening, but two cases happened in the mid afternoon. It is not known whether the offenders in these incidents are the same or different individuals. Police are investigating. Be vigilant when walking within this area, and avoid walking alone.*

Gun fight

At about 2:00p.m., Thursday, July 27, on Ellis Avenue between 60th and 61st Streets, gunshots were fired at a red mini van by two to three unknown men or male juveniles. The van was driven by two unknown men who may have been armed and fired back. Police believe no one was injured. They are investigating.

Apollo Computer sued by Microsoft

Microsoft has sued Apollo Computer Corp in Hyde Park as part of a multimillion-dollar legal attack against computer stores that sell "pirated" versions of its software. The computer store is located at 5234 S Blackstone Ave.

Apollo Computer recently recieved complaints on a consumer website about selling pirated versions of Windows 2000 to Catholic Charities. Many of the computers they sell appear to be bought from University of Chicago auctions, and one of the owners works for the University.

Friday marked the largest number of lawsuits -- 26 -- that the Redmond, Wash.-based software giant has filed in a single day, including four in federal court in Chicago.

Murder on Wooded Island

*On Monday, July 10, reportedly at **3:50 p.m.**, a man was found injured south of the **Museum** of **Science** and Industry on **Wooded** **Island**. He was apparently the victim of a battery, possibly committed by a group of young men. He was taken to a hospital where he subsequently died. Police are investigating. *

Family searches for killers

A cash reward up to $1,000 is available for anyone with information that leads to the arrest of those responsible for the shooting of Corey Ebenezer.
Ebenezer's family has also set up a fund for his children. Donations can be made at any LaSalle Bank under Corey Ebenezer's name.

Attempted armed robbery July 7

At 9:50 p.m., Friday, July 7, on East 59th Street in front of International House, a man was confronted by two other men. One of the latter displayed a gun and demanded money. They went through the victim's pockets, found no money, and then fled. Subsequently, University Police apprehended one of the two offenders, and recovered the gun. The victim identified the offender and he was charged. The other offender escaped. Police are investigating.

Teen Attacks

From Hyde Park Mamma:

Liz Bakwin, a member of the Parent Support Network, posted this neighborhood watch warning to the groups' e-mail communication:
"Wanted to let everyone know that a 7th grader was assaulted in an unprovoked attack by a group of similarly-aged and older children at 4pm between Ray School and Bixler Playlot on Wednesday. He was physically hurt -- scratches, etc. -- but is OK. As far as I know, the police haven't caught the perpetrators, although there was quite a brouhaha on Kenwood between 55th and 56th last night, involving some teenage boys being taken away by UC police. That's as much as I know." More...

43rd street overpass in disrepair

Out on a run this morning, I crossed over at 43rd to run back. I was shocked by how totally out of repair the bridge over Lake Shore Drive is at 43rd. The bottom two steps on the lake side are completely rusted away, and the concrete on the bridge is buckled in some places. According to HPCC, work to replace the bridge (and at 41st and 35th) was slated to begin in early 2006-- but there is no sign of this yet. Obviously, this is a structure that needs to be repaired or replaced immediately in the interest of public safety.

Homophobia at Giordano's

There is a Giordanos in Hyde Park, and if you go there, perhaps you should let them know how you feel about this homophobic event that occured at a downtown Giordano's recently.

Date: Fri, 7 Jul 2006 07:29:37 -0500

Subject: Giordano's Boycott

My friend asked me to pass this along:

****************************

Hey again, everyone... Thank you for all your outstanding support so far. We are NOT going to let them get away with this. For the time being, I ask that everyone who reads this, and has anyone in their life who is gay, or who just believes in gay rights in general, please repost this as often as possible... I want the world to know that Giordano's Pizza flat out refused my friends and I service based on the fact we are gay men. Here's the post...

"Hey everyone... So a bunch of us (Jamie *me*, Joe, Adam, Matt, Kyle, Sebastian, Charlie, Cale, and three others) went down to The Taste tonight to see the fireworks display, and had our hearts set on eating at Giordano's pizza at the Prudential building...

We were seated, drink and food orders were placed, and we were waiting for our food, and talking amongst ourselves. Two of the people in our group, who are dating, had their arms around each other, and gave each other one simple kiss. Not but a minute later, the manager, Peter, was at our table telling us we needed to leave, because he did not want to see that in the resturant. He refused to serve our food, and essentially kicked us out for being gay men.

After a while, we realized he was most definately not going to serve our food, so we stood outside Giordano's, all of us with cell phones in hands, calling every media outlet in Chicago. I was only able to get a hold of Kiss FM, and I recorded a sound byte about the situation that I was told they would play it some time tonight. I think some of them got through to FOX, CBS, NBC, ABC, and CLTV, the Tribune, and The Sun Times. We also called two lawyers, and plan on calling the corporate office in mass this morning... I'm asking you as all my friends, please don't let them get away with this. We are in the 21st century, and we are still dealing with discrimination. PLEASE READ THIS BULLETIN, and repost it to get as much support on our side as we can... Thank you all! God bless!

giordano@giordanos.com

If you aren't going to call and voice your concern, then at least repost this a few times to help us get our voices heard... Thank you all so very much for your support thus far. God bless you all!

Bush to visit Science and Industry Today

Today Bush will hold a a news conference at the Museum of Science and Industry in Hyde Park-- the first of his presidency outside Washington. The museum will be closed to the public until 1 p.m.
Sun Times
Beacon

Peoria drug connection

Daniel G. Stephens, 19, 5307 S. Hyde Park Blvd., Apt. 910, Chicago, was indicted in Peoria on unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and unlawful possession of a controlled substance.

Shooting

*At **4:15 p.m.**, Friday, June 30, on **Ingleside Avenue** between 52nd and 53rd Streets, two men were shot by two unknown male juveniles. Both were taken to a hospital for treatment. Police are investigating.*