PALOS HEIGHTS, IL — A Chicago man is accused of stealing a truck with a trailer, riding lawn mower and a Chrysler van in Palos Heights. Salud Martinez Ruiz, 27, appeared Thursday before Cook County Judge Linzie Jones on felony charges of aggravated possession of a stolen vehicle and possession of a stolen vehicle.
Just before noon Tuesday, Palos Heights police responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle in the Good Shepherd Church, 7800 McCarthy Road. A landscaping truck with trailer and a riding lawn mower were found unoccupied in the church parking lot. Police said it was later learned that the vehicles had been reported stolen from Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital, police said. Zero Turn Lawn Mower
Nearby neighbors told police that a Hispanic man approached their homes, asking for water and cigarettes just before the truck and lawn mower were reported stolen. Police said the man told witnesses his name was “Salud” and that he used to work for another neighbor. The man, later identified as Salud Martinez Ruiz, had worked for the neighbor at one time and had been recently discharged from Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital, police said.
The next day, Oak Lawn police received a hit on the stolen Chrysler van on a plate reader camera. Officers conducted a traffic stop near 89th Street and Cicero Avenue. Police said Ruiz identified himself. Ruiz was taken to the Palos Heights police station, where police said he gave a full confession to both motor thefts. The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office approved felony charges.
The prosecutor told the judge that Ruiz had a misdemeanor charge for reckless driving in 2021.
The assistant public defender said Ruiz lived with his mother and was not working at the moment. Ruiz was given $10,000 I-bonds for each charge.
“You stay out of this alleged mischief,” the judge said. "Don’t get arrested while you’re on the bond. If you get arrested, I’ll put you on no bail in Cook County Jail. You show up. Get a job.”
Ruiz is due back in court June 29 at the Bridgeview Courthouse.
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