The possibility of police harassment of drivers parked adjacent to a North Side gay bar has returned.
In an e-mail obtained by Windy City Times, an official with the Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association, a gay sports organization, has warned softball team managers of possible ‘police activity that occurs in the parking lot across the street from Jackhammer where the hardware store is.’ The letter noted that an officer in one squad car, in particular, ‘has been stopping and searching vehicles. [A friend] had this happen to him, and [he and I] witnessed another player in our league stopped and searched.’ The e-mailer went on to advise the recipients that, if they have to deal with the same situation, they should get the squad car number and the officer’s last name, if possible.
A copy of the e-mail (with all names removed) was forwarded to Bruce Rottner, police commander of the 24th District. In response, Rottner reiterated what he said to Windy City Times in a recent interview: ‘If people have complaints, they should let me know.’
Rottner can be reached at (312) 744-5907 or bruce.rottner@chicagopolice.org.