Twenty-eight teenagers, many who attend Niles West High School, congregated on private property across the street from the school and were issued $75 tickets for trespassing on Wednesday, Feb. 1 at 2:43 p.m., according to a Morton Grove police report.
Students who were issued tickets said they were upset with Morton Grove’s police department for issuing the tickets.
“It was just a random spot that people started going to. It’s not like it ever bothers the lady [who owns property]. Sometimes she even comes outside,” said one of the students who was ticketed.
Despite the refusal of the private property owner to comment on the case, Morton Grove’s Commander of Investigations Paul Yaras claims that the meetings are irksome.
“For years, we’ve had issues with students crossing the street and congregating. It’s been a nuisance,” he said.
Yaras additionally commented on the abundant trash found on the site.
“They flick trash, cigarrette buds, rolling papers, pop cans, matchbooks. no matter how many times you warn them, it’s still the same thing,” Yaras said. “It comes down to being a good neighbor.”
Although the 28 people were ticketed for trespassing, some were involved in activities, such as smoking. Yaras clarified Morton Grove’s position on such grounds.
“We are not going to tolerate anybody congregating for illegal activity. We understand that they are teenagers, and we’re not trying to come down hard so it’s hard for them in the future. We’re trying to be reasonable,” he said.
Yaras said that the Morton Grove police department works closely with Niles West’s deans and administration when incidents like these occur.
Gabby Abesamis and Jackie Povitsky contributed to this article.
Photos by Ivana Kosir.
francesca • Mar 29, 2012 at 9:23 AM
These tickets were crap. I recevied a tresspassing ticket while I was parked in my car more than thrirty feet away from the crowd and parked next to a sign that said 1 hour parking. Also the police men did not seem to have reason for ticketing us, when I asked for a reason I was told I would be charged with assult and that I was getting the ticket because, in his words, I’m a cop and I can so shut up until I give you your ticket. I was very shocked and dissapointed to see where my parents tax money is going. I have no respect for the officers of morton grove and it saddens me that those ignorant cops work in my community.
Ivana Kosir • Mar 16, 2012 at 10:34 PM
Thanks for your interest in the story, but the NWN is just reporting the facts from the police report.
The People • Mar 16, 2012 at 7:25 PM
This article needs revision. As many of the students fined, were not trespassing. It is not illegal to stand on a side walk or park on a “public” street. This is just another way for the Morton Grove police department to boost funds for the village and ensure the city gets its money.