Palos Heights Police Blotter: Bar Fight Hit and Run; Baby Food Bandits

Updated Dec. 2, 2011

SATURDAY, SEPT. 24

Police Say Bar Brawler Used Keys to Lacerate Others

Michael Kimery, 28, of the 15600 block of Laramie in Oak Forest, was charged with leaving the scene of a property damage crash, failure to yield from private driveway, reckless driving and two counts of battery. Police said Kimery was in the parking lot at Trio, 11845 Southwest Hwy., around 11:45 p.m. when he punched two men with keys in his closed fist. Police noted lacerations below one man’s eye and on the other man’s chin and head. According to the report, Kimery struck another car while he was fleeing the parking lot. He was arrested about three blocks from the ba after speeding away, police said.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 22

DUI on Harlem Ave

Gary J. Rymek, 50, of the 8800 block of O’Brien Drive in Orland Hills, was charged with driving under the influence, operation of an uninsured motor vehicle, and speeding. Police said they stopped Rymek’s car in the 1200 block of Harlem Avenue at 3:49 a.m. for driving 50 in a 35 mph zone. He was unable to provide proof of insurance and failed a breathalyzer exam, police said.

Swerving with Marijuana

Stephen P. Friel, 27, of the 7600 block of Carmichael Drive in Palos Heights, was charged with possession of cannabis, possession of drug paraphernalia, operation of an uninsured motor vehicle, and improper lane usage. Police said they stopped Friel’s car in the 7300 block of College Drive at 11:35 p.m. for crossing the lane divider and abruptly swerving back into place. Officers found a pipe and less than 30 grams of marijuana in his car, according to the report.

— Court records show that the cannabis and operation of uninsured motor vehicle charges were subsequently dropped against Friel. He pleaded guilty to improper lane usage and was fined $265, with one-month supervision.

Alleged Shoplifter Sought

Police are looking for information regarding a goateed white man, approximately 6-foot-2 and in his late 20s, who allegedly tried stealing more than $200 in baby formula on Sept. 24. Police said the man left a grocery store in the 6400 block of 127th Street around 9 p.m. and was about to jump into a getaway car when security grabbed the merchandise. The man took off on foot, while the car, driven by a white woman, fled before police arrived, according to the report.

Stolen Cash and Debit Card

A debit card and $60 cash were reported stolen from a 2000 Mercury parked in the 0-100 block of Elm Court between 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Police report information is provided by the and other law enforcement agencies. Charges are not evidence of guilt. They are a record of police actions taken on a given day, and persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. If you or a family member are charged or cited and the case is subsequently adjudicated, we encourage you to notify the editor. We will verify and report the outcome.