This year saw a number of unusual and tragic incidents take place in Evergreen Park. While they shouldn't overshadow the brighter stories that make Evergreen Park a great place to live, it's important to look back on everything that happened in town in 2012. 

Here are the biggest crime stories of the year: 

TV Reality Star Found Dead in Chicago Ridge Apartment

Joey Kovar, an Evergreen Park native and former Real World cast member, was found dead in a Chicago Ridge apartment. His tragic end brought out recollections of the man he was when reality television cameras were not rolling. 

Grave Defaced With Anti-Islamic Writing For Second Time This Month

In a strange series of crimes, the same Islamic grave in Evergreen Cemetery was vandalized on multiple occasions over two years. The racial slurs were almost identical in each instance and left police scratching their heads on who exactly was behind the drawings. 

Car Comes Crashing Through Famous Dave’s on Grand Opening

What was supposed to be the new restaurant's welcome to the community, instead turned out to be a major accident scene. A car came crashing through the restaurant leaving skid marks across the floor, miraculously the crash resulted in no injuries. 

UPDATE: Cops: Classmate Forced Brother Rice Student to Wear a Noose

The hate crime stirred up a discussion on how schools should address issues like this and what steps could be taken to promote tolerance. 

Follow Evergreen Park Patch on Facebook.