Man Charged in Burglary That "Killed" Sgt. Alan Haymaker

Suspect Larry Brown, 28

When Chicago Police Sergeant Alan Haymaker lost control of his squad car just past 5:00 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 22, he was en route to the scene of a burglary at Verizon Wireless, 3176 N. Clark Street, Chicago.  

Larry Brown, 28, of Markham, IL (photo) has been charged with burglary and with obstructing identification.

The CPD media statement (see below), and most of the media, are reporting that the burglary occurred "in the 3100 block of N. Clark St." Some media and blogs are incorrectly saying that the address was "3167 N. Clark St." 

However, I phoned Verizon Wireless at 12:03 p.m. today and asked the woman who answered if the manager was in. Yes, she said, then asked who was calling. I said "a reporter." She then said that the manager was not taking calls. "Okay," I said, "so you've pretty much confirmed for me that yours is the cell phone store that was burglarized on Monday morning, right?" Silence from her, then, "I can't say anything about that." And that, ladies and gentlemen, is an unintentional confirmation. Why is this important? Because a man who protected others for years was killed on his way to defend that address and the property inside of it, that's why.  

Sgt. Alan Haymaker

It is ridiculous to hide the address, since the Verizon Wireless store seems to be the only cell phone store "in the 3100 block of N. Clark Street" and divulging it cannot reasonably be considered as giving away private information. It's a bit like saying "the only ten-story building in the 3100 block of Makebelieve Street" and not expecting people to figure out which buidling it is just because you didn't give the exact address. Referring to "a cell phone store in the 3100 block" is just as stupid.  

CPD Supt. Jody Weis said he wants to charge those responsible for this burglary with murder in the death of Sgt. Haymaker. Initial reports were that two people were sought in connection with the burglary. It's interesting that murder is not one of the charges brought against Brown - not yet, anyway.  

From: nwsaffr@chicagopolice.org 

Date: Thu, 25 Feb 2010 10:29 Subject: Offender charged today in connection with burglary of cellular phone store on Feb. 22nd in the 3100 block of N. Clark St. Chicago Police have charged an offender today in connection with the burglary of a cellular phone store in the 3100 block of N. Clark St. The burglary occurred on Monday, February 22, 2010 shortly after 5:30 a.m. Larry Brown, 28, of the 16500 block of Park Av. in Markham, Il. was charged with: • Obstructing Identification • Burglary Brown is expected to appear in Felony Bond Court today. **Mug shot attached** Chicago Police Department Office of News Affairs (312) 745-6110 Fax (312) 745-6999