Two Men Charged in River Forest Car Burglary Spree

Two men who reportedly stole items from 10 cars this summer in River Forest have been charged with burglary.

Paul Evans, 40 of Chicago, and Stephen R. Grandy, 35 of Chicago, were arrested June 3 after River Forest police had watched and then stopped them on suspicion of multiple car burglaries, according to River Forest police.

They were found to have a large number of coins, cash, Bluetooth devices, an air compressor, tire pressure gauges and flashlights.

Police believe they entered 10 unlocked cars in the areas between Lake St and Division and William and Keystone. Fingerprints matched one of the offenders, police reported.

Evans and Grandy gave verbal and written confessions to River Forest investigators.

The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Felony Review Unit has approved one count of burglary for each of them. They are being held at the Cook County Jail pending a Nov. 12 court date.

“I commend the officers and investigators involved for getting these offenders, who victimized numerous residents, off the streets,” said deputy chief James O’Shea in a statement. “At this time, the River Forest Police Department would ask anyone parking a vehicle on the street, a parking lot, a driveway, or viewable to the general public to lock their doors and ensure their alarm system is activated. Anyone needing additional crime prevention or safety advice can contact our Crime Prevention Officer at 708-714-3543.”

Photo courtesy of the River Forest Police Department. Left: Paul Evans. Right: Stephen Grandy.