Helicopter drills precede Obama visit
Members of the Secret Service have been conducting exercises in helicopters over Chicago in preparation for President Obama’s visit Thursday, officials said Tuesday. Jennifer Martinez, a spokeswoman for the Office of Emergency Management, said the military helicopters that have piqued the interest of many Chicagoans are connected to Obama’s impending visit. Obama is scheduled to attend a dinner with political supporters and a fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee.
Man charged in scalding
A Cook County judge denied bail Tuesday for Michael Barnes, 49, accused of pouring scalding water on a 2-year-old boy, leaving him with burns on 25 percent of his body. Assistant State’s Atty. Erin Antonietti said the man became angry after the boy soiled himself. Barnes has an extensive criminal history, officials say.
Ex-cop gets probation in scam
A former Chicago police officer who pleaded guilty in a federal investigation of a towing scam was sentenced Tuesday to two years probation. Joseph Grillo, 47, had admitted to helping make it appear that the car of another Chicago police officer had been stolen in 2007 so the officer could collect an insurance payout. Grillo apologized to his family and the department before being sentenced.
UPS driver shot
A UPS driver was shot in the back Tuesday morning during an apparent robbery in the 6500 block of South Hermitage Avenue in West Englewood, officials said. Susan Rosenberg, a spokeswoman for UPS in Atlanta, said officials have been in contact with the man’s family. She said he was able to speak and was aware of his surroundings.
