LAKEVIEW — Following the Saturday slaying of 25-year-old Kevin O'Malley in Lakeview, Ald. Tom Tunney is asking Chicago's top cop for more officers in the neighborhood.
O'Malley, who was from suburban Palos Park but living in Lakeview, was fatally shot under the Brown Line L tracks in the 900 block of West Oakdale Avenue after a robbery attempt over a cell phone turned violent, police said. Kristopher Pitts, 22, of Humboldt Park, is being held without bond on charges of first-degree murder and armed robbery in the case.
Tunney has spoken with Chicago Police Supt. Garry McCarthy about "how imperative it is that we receive more police manpower in the 19th district," said Tunney spokeswoman Erin Duffy.
The alderman wants more police on the overnight weekend shift to supplement the 19th district entertainment detail, which largely focuses on Wrigleyville and Boystown.
Tunney has also formally requested a permanent mass transit police detail for the Belmont L station — a half-mile north of where the shooting took place. The detail would be assigned to the station from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. on weekends.
The Chicago Police Department said it would "continue to work closely with stakeholders in every community to identify issues of concern and implement appropriate strategies to address crime and disorder." The department declined to comment on its specific plans for Lakeview.
Ariel Cheung discusses Ald. Tunney's request for more police:
For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here:
