Crime & Safety

Elderly Woman Foils Suspected Ruse Scam Just In Time

Police say two men came to the couple's home and offered to do concrete work, and then stole jewelry and followed the resident to the bank.

An elderly couple who live on the 2700 block of 94th Street had an interesting offer on the afternoon of Aug. 3.

Michael Miller, 31, of Chicago Ridge, came to their home and offered to do some concrete work for $750 because he claimed to have some left over materials from a nearby job site, police said. 

The couple agreed. Another man, now known as Angelo Ely, 28, of Bridgeview, also arrived at the home. The female resident then went back into her home to write a check for the work. However, when she went for the check one of the two men followed her in, police said. 

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The supposed concrete workers then told the couple that they could not accept a check and needed cash for the work. When they were told by the residents that they did not have that much cash in the house they encouraged the male resident to drive to the bank and that they would follow him, police said. 

After the men left, the wife became suspicious of the events and called police. 

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Police found the men at a bank on the 9300 block of Kedzie and apprehended Miller and Ely, the police report read.  It was also discovered that the pair had taken four rings, a necklace and a watch all valued at less than $300 from the home, police said. 

Miller and Ely were both charged with theft. 

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