Rutz Retires from River Forest Police Department

Longtime River Forest police member Craig Rutz has retired. See what's next for the former deputy chief.

Longtime Member of River Forest Police Department Retires

Craig Rutz, formerly the deputy chief at the River Forest Police Department, has retired. James O'Shea has been promoted to his position.

A longtime member of the River Forest Police Department has announced his retirement from the force this month. James O’Shea, also a member of the department, will replace Craig Rutz, formerly the deputy chief, in his position. According to the Wednesday Journal, Rutz was with the department for 31 years. He plans to use his retirement to spend more time with his family and is planning a move to Tampa, FL. Rutz's retirement does not come as a surprise. He told village staff over the summer that he planned to retire in the first quarter of 2013.

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Community Crime Meeting in River Forest

Summer violence prompts safety meeting among neighbors and police.

Clarification: Menon says she's only the "unofficial spokesperson" for Friday's meeting, which is being organized by the William Court Condominium Association. Earlier this summer, a 29-year-old woman was gunned down in a darkened parking lot tucked between a private university campus annex and a busy stretch of Harlem Avenue in River Forest. One month later, just before sundown in the idyllic environs of the 1300 block of William Street, a 37-year-old woman was grabbed by a sex offender with a lengthy criminal record, tossed into his car and ultimately avoided a worse fate after kicking and screaming her way out. Those recent crimes have prompted River Forest resident Pia Menon to organize a community safety meeting, scheduled for 7 p.m. …

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Victim Escapes Sexual Assault, Kidnapping Attempt

Homeless sex offender accused of brazen evening attack in residential River Forest.

A homeless man with a history of violent crime has been accused of the aggravated attempted criminal sexual assault and kidnapping of a River Forest woman, authorities said. The incident took place around 7:50 p.m. Thursday, when police said 44-year-old Tracy Taylor, a registered sex offender, approached the woman as she was walking in the 1300 block of William Street. Taylor grabbed the unidentified 37-year-old woman by her arms, put her in a bear hug then forced her into his 1994 Pontiac Grand Prix and sped away. Deputy Police Chief Craig Rutz described what happened next: Taylor was trying to physically control the woman, but she kept resisting. She then screamed to alert neighbors who immediately called 911. Meanwhile, she tried to …

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Week in Review: July 8

Rounding up the best in local news, this and every week.

We can't be everywhere and neither can you. The "Week in Review" is designed to bring you up to speed on local news in Oak Park and River Forest. Let's get to it: Drink Up: Changes to Oak Park's liquor laws, including expanded package liquor sales and service of beer and wine before theater performances, were given tentative approval at Monday's village board meeting. Related: Downtown Oak Park, a business group representing the downtown area, is collecting answers to a survey soliciting opinions about local alcohol service. Survey here; ends Saturday. Fireworks Fracas: One Chicago man was charged with battery and another hospitalized after a fight broke out on Lake Street and Ridgeland Avenue after the grand finale of the fireworks …

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