Semi-Coherent Hometown Man Found With Stolen Property, Cops Say

A Hometown man found lying in a semi-coherent state in the grass was charged with possession of stolen property after police found several electronic gadgets reported stolen from various cars, reports said.

Oak Lawn police went to the 9000 block of South Cicero Avenue on well being check around 7:04 a.m. Oct. 22.

When police arrived, they found a man identified as James L. Morgan, 24, of Hometown, laying in the grass in 30-degree temperatures, reports said.

According to the police report, Morgan is a known drug abuser and the officer was concerned that he was possibly under the influence of drugs. Next to Morgan was a black computer bag. The officer asked Morgan’s permission to search it for medications or drugs.

Police said that Morgan gave the officer his permission to search the bag. The officer immediately observed multiple electronic gadgets, including a GPS and a large Canon digital SLR camera.

Morgan allegedly told police that he was an audio-visual technician and that the items belonged to him.

Police said the Morgan fit the description of a reported car burglary earlier in the month and was stopped for suspicious activity around 2:31 a.m. Oct. 9, carrying an empty bag and flashlight.

The officer turned on the GPS and found a home address in the 10900 block of South Tripp Ave., reports said.

The homeowner at the Tripp Avenue address told police that she had an identical GPS, police said. She checked her car and discovered that her doors were unlocked and the GPS missing, reports said.

Morgan was placed under arrest and was taken to the Oak Lawn police station. Police also discovered an active warrant in Mokena on charges of identity theft and unlawful use of a credit card.

While filling out the police report, another resident reported that his car had been burglarized that morning in the 11000 block of South Tripp Ave. The resident reported that his laptop case and Samsung digital camera had been removed from his car, reports said.

Police said the items matched others in Morgan’s possession during the well-being check. The neighbor identified his belongings, and was able to identify neighbors’ pictures on the other camera.