Burglaries and gang violence still prominent in DeKalb area

By Andrew Schlesser

One DeKalb resident was mugged and numerous others fell victim to a string of at least 11 car burglaries around 2 a.m. last Wednesday when a team of burglars went on a crime spree.

DeKalb police later apprehended them the next day thanks to a misused credit card at a local gas station.

Police arrested Kyle C. Miller, 22, of DeKalb, for robbery, burglary and unlawful use of a credit card.

Police also arrested Timothy C. Park, 22, of DeKalb for robbery and burglary.

Miller bought a carton of cigarettes and was carded by the gas station attendant which eventually led to his identification.

“We had a list of names early on from victims of the car burglaries,” said DeKalb Police Lt. Jim Kayes.

“We also are drafting warrants for a third party involved and a 16 year old girl who we believe were involved,” Kayes said.

The mugging victim was sitting on a bench along the 800 block of East Lincoln Highway when the two suspects approached him and asked for money to buy a hamburger.

The victim was in the process of getting out some money when the suspects attacked him and took his wallet.

The victim was beaten but not seriously hurt.

Police recovered most of the stolen property but also have a number of stolen items that have not yet been reported missing.

In other DeKalb news, police said gang violence is still happening around the city.

Gang violence still active

“There are a lot of gang problems going on that are most likely a result from the shooting this spring,” Kayes said.

That particular incident occurred March 28 when Max J. Keding, 15, of DeKalb, gunned down Jayson Martin, 19, of DeKalb, on the 200 block of N. Seventh St.

Police reported the shooting to be gang-related.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if there is another shooting,” Kayes said. “They’re not going to let it go. They’re going to keep on pushing.”

In one incident of gang-related violence on June 10, a resident along the 800 block of Pleasant Street reported hearing a verbal argument between some people which was followed by two gun shots, police said.

The suspects were not located and no gun was found, Kayes said.

Two people believed to be involved with that case were in a car later that night which was stopped by police in Rochelle, Kayes said. One passenger was arrested with a gun, Kayes said.

“Trying to find the owner of a gun like that can be confusing because the serial numbers have been damaged and they are often passed between members,” Kayes said.

The reports being made are coming from neighbors who see or hear confrontations and fights, Kayes said.