Police Blotter: Two Hit-and-Runs on Same Day

monday, feb. 14

In-State Warrant

Michael T. Morack, 36, of the 16200 block of Sherwood in Orland Park, was arrested on a warrant out of East Hazel Crest on a charge of possession of a controlled substance. Morack had called police because he was locked out of his car, and the officer who responded ran a check on his license and found the warrant. Morack posted bond and was released.

Hit-and-Run on Laporte

Kevin A. Murray, 18, was arrested and charged with property damage, speeding and hit-and-run, police said. A driver reported that while he was waiting to turn left from eastbound Laporte to northbound LaGrange, his vehicle was hit in the rear by a green Monte Carlo. The two pulled into the nearby Gas City, but the Monte Carlo turned back onto LaPorte before the drivers could exchange information. Police contacted the Monte Carlo's owner, and Murray's father brought his 18-year-0ld son to the police station later that day. According to reports, Murray told police he had looked away momentarily to change the radio station when he hit the car in front of him, and had gotten scared, so he fled the scene. 

Hit-and-Run on 191st

Todd M. Rozovics, of the 9000 block of Walnut in Tinley Park, was arrested and charged with hit-and-run, speeding and operating an uninsured vehicle, police said. A man told police he had been driving on 191st and felt someone hit him from behind. The man turned in to the Mindy's Ribs parking lot to exchange information with the other driver, who sped away westbound on 191. The man followed him and gave the vehicle description and license plate number to police, who traced the car to Rozovics. Rozovics initially denied hitting the other car, but he later told police his foot had slid off the brake and he hit the rear of the car in front of him. He said he didn't realize he had hit the other car and and was scared to pull over while the other driver was following him.

Pot and Drug Equipment Possession

Bonifacio Cuevas-Valencia, 22, of the 700 block of East Washington Street, Joliet, was arrested and charged with possession of cannabis (30 grams or less) and possession of drug equipment, police said. Cuevas-Valencia was riding as a passenger in a car driven by William D. Schafer Jr., of the 9400 block of Birch Avenue, when police stopped the car at LaGrange and 191st Street because it was straddling the white lane lines. Police found a baggie of cannabis, a metal pipe and a "dugout" in the car, all of which Cuevas-Valencia said belonged to him "and no one else," according to the report. Schafer was arrested and charged with driving with a suspended license, operating an uninsured vehicle and improper lane usage. The two posted bond and were released pending court appearances.

Suspect DUI Asleep at Shell Station

Jason Scott, 28, of the 400 block of Chappel in Calumet City, was arrested and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. Police found Scott asleep at the wheel of his car, which was parked at a pump at the Shell station on LaGrange and 191st Street, according to the report. Police were in the area because they had received reports of a possible DUI in the area.