“Orland Park Man Claims 13-Year-Old Relative Took Car That Crashed Into Tree on Shabbona Drive, Park Forest Police Reports Show | eNews Park Forest”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Park Forest, IL – The Park Forest Police Department has released its blotter reports through November 23, 2023, detailing various incidents that occurred during the week leading up to Thanksgiving. One notable incident involved an Orland Park man who allegedly crashed his car into a tree on Shabbona Drive and claimed that his 13-year-old relative had taken the vehicle. However, police were unable to locate a 13-year-old near the scene of the accident.

According to the police report, the registered owner of the car, Michael A. Socki, 37, was arrested and charged with failure to remain at the scene of an accident, DUI with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over .08, DUI alcohol, no driver’s license, and suspended registration. When police arrived at the scene of the accident, they found an open case of Miller Lite and empty beer cans inside the vehicle. A resident’s doorbell camera captured footage of a man wearing similar clothing to Socki walking away from the accident.

Upon questioning, Socki allegedly stated that a 13-year-old relative had taken the car. However, police did not find any evidence to support this claim. Socki refused to perform a field sobriety test and was taken to the Park Forest Police Department, where he declined to answer further questions. A breathalyzer test revealed a BAC of .186. Socki is scheduled to appear in court on January 17, 2024.

In another incident, Joel M. Lindsey III, 44, of Richton Park, was arrested and charged with operating a vehicle with a suspended registration. The officer who conducted the arrest detected an odor of burnt cannabis coming from inside Lindsey’s vehicle. Lindsey admitted to smoking cannabis earlier in the day and handed the officer a partially burnt rolled cigar containing suspected cannabis. He was also issued a municipal ticket for unlawful possession of cannabis in a vehicle.

Additionally, the blotter reports included incidents of resisting arrest, retail theft, and domestic battery. Antonio D. Williams, 25, of Park Forest, was arrested and charged with resisting a peace officer. Brian K. Stewart, 27, of Chicago Heights, was arrested and charged with retail theft after allegedly stealing cigarettes from a Walgreens store. Kristian N. Harris, 18, of Park Forest, was arrested and charged with domestic battery following a physical altercation with a family member.

It is important to note that the individuals mentioned in these reports are innocent until proven guilty. The burden of proof lies on the prosecutors and police to establish the alleged crimes. eNews Park Forest will continue to publish the addresses of those arrested as provided by the police..