Police Blotter: Resident Faces Felony Burglary Charge

BURGLARY

Erik M. Dammstrom, 28, of the 1200 block of Mill Creek Drive, Buffalo Grove, was charged with residential burglary and possession of burglary tools, both felony charges approved by the Lake County State’s Attorney, after police received a report of a possible burglary in progress at 3:40 p.m. Aug. 7 at a home on the 500 block of Harris Drive. A resident told police an unknown man rang the front door bell, and then tried the door handle. The resident said the man then went to the back of the home, slipping his hand inside his shirt so as to not leave fingerprints, and tried to gain entry via the back patio slider door. The resident inside the home verbally challenged the man through the closed patio door. The resident had his younger brother call the police while he tried to keep visual contact on the man has he fled. Officers and investigators responded to the home and surrounding areas. The Arlington Heights Police K-9 unit was contacted to assist in a search. Officers located Dammstrom walking near the and pedestrian overpass bridge at Buffalo Grove and McHenry roads. He was not carrying the black backpack described by the eyewitness. The K-9 track was changed to an article search and officers were re-deployed to a foot search of the neighborhood to locate the backpack. The shift sergeant located the backpack hidden in bushes behind the . The backpack contained burglary tools. Investigators interviewed Dammstrom, and said they obtained an admission of his intention to commit a burglary.

A resident of the 1-100 block of Willow Parkway reported that she left her car in the driveway with the doors unlocked and her purse on the front seat at 3:30 p.m. Aug. 2. She said someone went through her purse, taking $125 in cash and her prescription pain medication.  

PHONE THREATS

An official at a business in Buffalo Grove reported Aug. 7 that he has been receiving threatening text messages. This also occurred six months ago. The resident offered a suspect and stated that he would change his cell phone number. 

SUSPICIOUS INCIDENT/PERSON

A resident of the 2400 block of Madiera Lane reported Aug. 7 that a male subject had been near the front of his home, then got into a newer green Hyundai and drove off. The resident found a letter on the previous day and one on this date taped to his front door. The letters gave directions to reset his password and other options for his gaming system. The resident contacted GameStop, where he purchases his games, and they stated that they do not have an employee placing notes on doors. 

A resident of Oak Creek Drive reported several people near the BBQ pit by the pool, drinking and urinating outside at 6 p.m. Aug. 7. Officers checked the area and found a group walking in the area. They denied having been by the BBQ pit. Since the group did not live in the complex, they were asked to leave the area. 

WELL-BEING CHECK

A resident who called to report receiving a threatening text message on Aug. 7 became uncooperative with the dispatcher. Officers went to the residence and the resident did not answer the door or telephone. An officer contacted the resident’s mother who stated that she will check on her daughter. 

OTHER INCIDENTS

A resident reported Aug. 7 that when she checked her credit report, she found that someone opened a Dish Network account in Texas using her name. The account has a balance of $1615.60. 

A resident told police Aug. 7 that she received a letter from the State of Arizona saying that she owed $507.60 in back taxes. When the resident called the state, she was advised that someone is using her Social Security number and maiden name. The resident will contact the IRS.