Wednesday Blotter: Couple Conducts Quick-Change Scam On Clerk

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.

Contributing to the delinquency of a minor

July 1: Lucina Mercado, 18, of the 400 block of West Touhy Avenue, was charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor and possession of cannabis after she and a 15-year-old companion admitted to smoking cannabis during a traffic stop, according to a police report. The 15-year-old also handed over a joint to police.

Suspicious circumstances

July 1: A woman was caught taking a wallet out of another patron's bag at Mystic Waters, 2025 E. Miner St. When confronted by the owner she told her that she mistook the bag for a friend's and returned the wallet.

Theft

July 2: A mountain bike was reported stolen from Mountain View Miniature Golf Course, 510 E. Algonquin Road.

Theft/ Quick-change scam

July 3: A clerk at Walgreens, 1858 E. Oakton St., reported that a male and female came up to her register to purchase a $300 fan. After purchasing the fan, the male conducted a quick change scam. The clerk did not realize what had happened until she counted the register later and realized it was $300 short.

Theft from motor vehicle

July 3: An unknown offender removed the gas cap door from a vehicle while it was parked on the 200 block of Dulles Road.

Unlawful sale of tobacco to a minor

June 28: Timothy J. Alferes, 23, of the 1800 block of South White Street, was charged with unlawful sale of tobacco to a minor after he sold cigarettes to a 15-year-old girl at 7-Eleven, 1143 S. Lee St., during a tobacco compliance check.