Man Caught On Tape Stealing Police Camera
Updated: 11/22/10 2:59 p.m.
CHICAGO (STMW) - A Little Village neighborhood man has reportedly received the dubious distinction of being the first person to ever steal an outdoor police surveillance camera.
Unfortunately for him, the crime was captured on the very item he allegedly took, Chicago Police said.
Geo Martinez, 19, of the 2400 block of South Spaulding Avenue, was charged Sunday afternoon with felony theft and misdemeanor reckless conduct, police said. The camera is worth about $8,000.
On Monday, Martinez was ordered held on $40,000 and a preliminary hearing was set for Nov. 29, Cook County State's Attorney's office spokesman Andy Conklin said.
On Nov. 18, police were dispatched to fix the camera at 3258 W. 23rd St., but found that it had been stolen, according to a police report. Authorities learned it had been taken on Nov. 8 and police were able to retrieve video footage, which allegedly included images of Martinez during the theft, the report said.
Officers identified Martinez through the pictures and he was arrested during a gang disturbance at 3300 W. 25th St. Saturday, police said.
A law enforcement source said it is believed to be the first time anyone stole a police observation camera.
(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2010. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
