Drunken Wisconsin Driver Knocks Out Power In Neighborhood: Northbrook Police Blotter

NORTHBROOK, IL — The following information comes from the Northbrook Police Department and court records as a record of incidents reported to police and those arrested on criminal charges, which represent accusations by the state that are often dropped or reduced. Updated information may be available from the Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court. Everyone arrested is presumed to be innocent unless found guilty in court beyond a reasonable doubt.

ARRESTS

VIOLATION OF PROTECTION ORDER

Bryan K. Fleischer, of Northbrook, had a warrant for violation of a protection order, and was arrested at 4 a.m. Dec. 12, in the 1100 block of Cayuga Drive. Police said Fleischer had violated the order throughout November, with violations including texting and calling protected parties.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

• Jose A. Negrete Zuniga, of Chicago, is accused of misdemeanor speeding (80 mph in a 45 mph zone), driving under the influence, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, failure to carry driver's license while driving, and was arrested at 2:41 a.m. Dec. 13, at Willow Road and Founders Drive. A court date of Dec. 31 was assigned.
• Mason D. Opie, of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, is accused of DUI, DUI with a blood alcohol concentration level of .08 or more, DUI drugs, speeding, improper lane usage, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, and was arrested at 8 a.m. Dec. 18, at Woodhead Drive and Huehl Road. Police said Opie was driving at a high rate of speed on Huehl Road, lost control of his car, struck a utility pole and knocked out electricity to several businesses. A court date of Feb. 4, 2026 was assigned.

RETAIL THEFT

• Rehema L. Mertinez, of Hennepin, Minnesota, is accused of retail theft, and was arrested at 12:41 p.m. Dec. 15, in the 1400 block of Lake Cook Road. The loss prevention staff of a retail store said Mertinez had stolen a baby stroller from their store and was running down the street. The officer was able to catch Mertinez and retrieve the stolen stroller worth $1,100. During the investigation, another store advised the officer that Mertinez stole hats, sunglasses and perfume from their clothing area. All the stolen items from this store totaled $1,839. Mertinez was charged with retail theft for the clothing items, and another charge from the baby store is pending once the video surveillance is retrieved.The court date is set for Dec. 17.
• Linsey A. Resnick, of Highland Park, is accused of felony retail theft, and was arrested at 11:55 a.m. Dec. 16, in the 1400 block of Lake Cook Road. The loss prevention staff of a retail store said Resnick had stolen various shirts, pants and skirts in her large purse, totaling $2,552. After Resnick tried fleeing from the store, the loss prevention staff stopped her. A court date of Dec. 18 was assigned.

LAST WEEK'S BLOTTER: Drunken Driver With Multiple Warrants Flees Crash Scene — Northbrook Police Blotter

INCIDENTS

BANK FRAUD

• A Cayuga Drive resident reported at 1:33 p.m. Dec. 13, someone had gained access to her bank account and stole $700. She noticed the money missing when she started receiving suspicious texts and emails from various phones numbers. The texts contained her banking information, which she didn’t know how they had. The complainant is working with her bank to reimburse the money.
• An employee of a machining company in the 1800 block of Holste Road reported at 1:56 p.m. Dec. 15, they had corresponded with a tool company in Kansas to have a replacement machine part made. During the transaction, the employee received an email indicating they need to provide payment through a different avenue due to banking issues with the original bank. The employee followed the instructions and wired the payment to the new location in the amount of $1,244.36. After several months, the original company in Kansas contacted the Northbrook company stating they never received payment. The complainant realized the different account was fraudulent and someone stole their money.

RETAIL THEFT

The loss prevention staff at a sporting goods store in the 200 block of Skokie Boulevard reported at 6:52 p.m. Dec. 14, three people had come into the store and walked toward the Nike clothing area. They grabbed multiple pieces of clothing. They grabbed other pieces of clothing near the Carhartt area as well. The trio then ran toward the exit. An employee tried running after them, but the subjects got into a dark-colored vehicle and fled the area. The store did not have a total value for all the stolen clothing at the time of the report.