Police Bust Dangerous Party At Nightclub, Arrest Eight
CHICAGO (STMW) - Police shut down a dangerous party at an unlicensed West Side nightclub early Saturday, seizing thousands of dollars in cash and arresting eight people — including a man and woman calling themselves the club's "president" and "first lady."
Officers arrived at an office-style building at 3450 W. Lake St., in Garfield Park about 1:45 a.m., following reports of a man with a gun, Harrison District Lt. Steven Sesso said.
Police reportedly heard gunshots upon arrival and spotted a large crowd outside that soon scattered. Some people fled back into the building and others ran away, Sesso said.
He said officers found shell casings outside.
Inside, police said they discovered an illegal party attended by about 240 people, complete with a DJ booth and unlicensed bar selling alcohol, according to Sesso, who noted that a church — not in service — was upstairs on the second floor.
Sesso said the makeshift club — "Cash Money On Deck"— was ran by a group also known as CMOD, which police described as a motorcycle and car club.
Officers dispersed partygoers and allegedly found two men and a woman armed with guns and working illegally as security guards.
Police arrested:
Gregory Peters, 19, of the 100 block of North Lotus Avenue;
Rocco Vaughn, 26, of the 3800 block of West Madison Street, and
Lafaye Chew, 42, of the 100 block of North Lotus Avenue.
Sesso said two of them had Firearm Owner's Identification cards but lacked armed security certification. All three face felony unlawful weapon use charges.
Police also arrested three club organizers for allegedly violating a cease-and-desist order and for operating without a license. Two of them identified themselves as the club's "president" and "first lady," according to police.
Police seized about $4,000 in party profits from CMOD, Sesso said.
A 17-year-old girl and 19-year-old woman allegedly fought with police, resulting in their arrest and misdemeanor battery charges for both.
Police had cleared the scene about 3 a.m.
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