Monday Blotter: Man Attempts To Hit Officer In Groin

The following items are taken from the Des Plaines Police Department. In all incidents where an arrest occurred, a charge is merely an accusation and not evidence of guilt. The arrested person is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Harassment by telephone

July 8: Police responded to a report of harassment by electronic communications at the 2200 block of Scott Street. The victim told police he had been receiving harassing text messages and phone calls from the offender since their 25-year friendship ended two months ago. According to the report, after sending the offender a text message stating the police were present and he did not want to receive any more text messages or phone calls, the offender continued sending long and rambling text messages including one in which he wrote he was going to hang the victim upside down and cut off his genitals.

Criminal damage to property

July 9: Police responded to a report of criminal damage to property at the 600 block of Nelson Lane. According to the report, the offender, Pauline Ziemann, 64, hit the victim’s vehicle with her vehicle. There has been a dispute over the use of a parking spot that has been ongoing for two years. In actuality, both of their land deeds show them owning the same parking spot. Ziemann told police it was not an accident, and she drove her car into the victim’s car on purpose because she has a right to defend her parking spot. Ziemann is scheduled to appear in Skokie courthouse July 25.

Battery

July 9: Police responded to the 1300 block of E. Howard Avenue for a disturbance between two neighbors. According to the report, the offender, Abel Nava, 25, asked the victim to come to his house to light the pilot light on his stove. While the victim attempted to light the stove Nava wrapped both arms around the victim. The victim pushed Nava’s hands away and pushed him in the chest to get him off her. Nava apologized and the victim called police. Nava is scheduled to appear at Skokie courthouse Aug. 1.

Criminal damage to property/Theft

July 10: Police responded to the Shell gas station at the 1600 block of E. Oakton Street to a report of theft. According to the report, an unknown offender stole a yellow raft after cutting nautical rope that secured it to a boat that was for sale. The victim told police he was selling the raft with the boat, and a caller asked if he would sell the raft separately. When the victim told the caller he would not sell the raft the caller became uninterested. The victim gave police the caller’s phone number.

Battery/Resisting a peace officer

July 10: Police responded to the Hilton Garden Inn at the 2900 block of S. River Road to a report of an unwanted and intoxicated man. According to the report, while the responding officer was walking next to the offender, Michael A. Lafreniere, 27, of the 700 block of Up Sherman Avenue in Queensbury, New York, clenched his right fist, flexed his right bicep muscle and said, “Let’s kill some people.” Lafreniere started walking toward the hotel, stopped, turned and attempted to slap the officer in the groin area, hitting the officer’s duty belt with the back of his left hand. Lafreniere was charged with battery and resisting a peace officer, and is scheduled to appear at Skokie courthouse Aug. 1.