Dawn Patrol: Crash victim identified; dog killed in burglary
Rt. 53 crash victim identified
Police have identified the victim who died in a fiery crash Thursday morning on Route 53 as 28-year-old Rolling Meadows resident Jose J. Diaz-Rendon. Diaz-Rendon's vehicle struck a median separating the express lanes from the local lanes near Higgins Road just before 6 a.m. yesterday and was pronounced dead at the scene. The northbound lanes were shut down following the crash. Full story.
Nonviolent inmates get second chance at bond
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced new procedures for suspects facing charges for nonviolent crimes who cannot post bail. The “motion to reconsider” bail option will allow defendants whose bail is $100,000 or less, and who had not posted bail within 24 hours, a second chance in front of a judge for reconsideration of the original amount. Full story.
Arlington Heights family finds dog dead in oven
An Arlington Heights family returning from a July 4 holiday out of town found their home had been burglarized and their dog dead in a convection oven. Arlington Heights police are investigating the burglary, during which $3,000 worth of jewelry was taken. Police said the dog's death is definitely tied to the burglary. Full story.
1,100 Rolling Meadows residents lose power
About 1,100 ComEd customers in Rolling Meadows lost power last night after a semitrailer truck struck a utility pole near Kirchoff and Hicks roads. As of 11:30 p.m., power was back up and running to all but about 100 customers, and a spokeswoman for ComEd said the rest should have their electricity restored by this morning. Full story.
No way of knowing if teen had seizure
Coroner's officials say they will not be able to prove whether Crystal Lake teen Connor Priesz suffered a seizure before drowning in the Fox River. The Priesz family talked to several doctors to determine how he might have drowned, but no one seems to have an answer. Police and toxicology reports confirmed alcohol and drugs were not factors. Full story.
Volunteers spot rare blue bullfrog in DuPage woods
A Glen Ellyn couple who volunteer to monitor animals for the DuPage County Forest Preserve District came across possibly the rarest find of their lives this week — a bright blue bullfrog. Some of his research tells Jerry Zamirowski blue bullfrogs are about one in a million. A forest preserve ecologist said he's unsure of exact statistics but is certain the frog is “exceptionally rare.” Full story.
Cops cite Geneva businesses
Three Geneva businesses were caught selling alcohol to minors during the city's annual Swedish Days, according to police. Geneva Police conducted “compliance checks” on Friday night of the festival and cited Little Owl Restaurant and Flagstone Pub, Cabooses Bar and Grill, and Savway Fine Wines and Spirits. All must appear in front of the liquor commissioner later this month. Full story.
Weather
Cloudy early this morning with a high temperature of 73 degrees when you head out the door this morning. However, it'll turn sunny with a high of about 91 degrees this afternoon. Accuweather is calling for about a half-inch of rain to roll in this evening, which is much needed. Full story.
Traffic
Some traffic problems are being reported on Hicks and Kirchoff roads near Hoffman Estates because of some downed power lines. Bridge replacement continues on Burr Road between Bolcum Road and Silver Glen Road in St. Charles. Use alternate routes. Full story.
Baseball second half starts today.
The second half of the baseball season starts today when the Cubs take on the Arizona Diamondbacks at Wrigley Field today, while the White Sox head to Kansas City to take on the Royals. Read Bruce Miles story, or Scot Gregors story about what each team can expect over the next two months of the season.