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| Image: The Heckler |
While the crowds looked relatively tame around Wrigley Field after last night’s Cubs victory, CWB Chicago has learned that, at least as far as arrest numbers go, those looks were deceiving.
We estimate that between 10 and 14 persons were arrested by officers assigned to the Wrigley Field detail before, during, and after yesterday’s game with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Most of the arrests were for simple battery.
By comparison, nine people were arrested in the celebration that followed last week’s Cubs wild card victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
If the Cubs eliminate the Cardinals tonight, we could see Stanley Cup-level arrest tallies.
Here are some “highlights” from yesterday’s activities based on police radio traffic and independently-gathered information:
2:36PM — The game doesn’t start for 3 hours, but that’s no reason to delay our first arrest! Police traffic units take one down at Clark and Addison.
2:59PM — There’s a guy—he’s black, wearing a hat and a black jacket—charging people to park their cars under the L tracks near the Addison stop and he’s not authorized to do that. He’s gone when police look for him.
4:26PM — There’s a guy—he’s black, wearing a black jacket and a beige cap—who just charged somebody $100 to park their car in a space that he does own. Under the L tracks by the Addison station. Once again, he’s gone when police look for him.
4:29PM — Officer describes the guy who’s selling illegal parking spaces for $100 apiece as “a real ratty homeless looking guy.” Maybe. But he’s making a nice living tonight.
4:59PM — Police Helicopter: Major League Baseball has a helicopter up here to film the stadium.
Commanding officer: “We haven’t been notified of any waivers [to airspace restrictions] except the blimp. Have them vacate..and get his tail number and report it to the FAA!”
5:13PM — Commanding officer: The FBI says they have a waiver after all. Never mind.
6:24PM — Man in the 3700 block of Fremont says two men in Cubs shirts are “jumping from roof to roof” at that location.
12:17AM — Three witnesses say a guy just rolled up to a woman in the 3400 block of Sheffield, got out of his car, punched her in the face, and then drove away.
12:23AM — Unit gets flagged down at Clark and Newport. “[This guy] says his hand’s broke and he’s bleeding from his neck.” Ambulance summoned.
