When I think of my short list of Rogers Park businesses that qualify at “RP Gems,” Runge’s Auto and Tire always makes the cut.

For many years - now in its second location in the north side of Rogers Park -  the current Tim and Chuck Runge offer neighborhood residents superior and trusted service.

So rare these days, to find a trusted and skilled auto mechanic - and that’s Runge’s reputation.

Which is what makes the events of February 10th so damn disturbing. Read the following account posted on CWBChicago.-  

It wasn’t a murder or an assault - rather, a particularly heinous property crime the type that can destroy that which makes a community special. 

What does the fact that a 26 time felon can perpetuate this crime say about our criminal justice system? 

According to CWBChicago, "Chicago — On the front door of Runge’s Automotive, a family-owned auto shop in Rogers Park that has long been a local favorite, was a hand-painted salute to the store’s founder: “Love forever, DAD. AKA Ralph.”

The story was that Ralph’s sons, current owners Tim and Chuck, planned to have the door glass removed and framed when they retired.

That won’t happen because, prosecutors say, 26-time convicted felon Deiel Reese shattered the glass door during a late-night burglary on February 10.

Reese, who first went to prison for burglary when the first George Bush was president, was also charged with two other burglaries during a bond hearing on Thursday. He’s currently on parole for two robberies and seven burglaries.

A judge gave him nine years for each of those 2018 crimes. But the sentences were served concurrently, and then the time was cut in half for good behavior under state law. Reese received additional credits and was released from prison last August, less than four years after police arrested him to face the charges, according to court records.

The state is reconsidering his parole status in light of the new allegations.

LINK to full story on CWBChicago.

If the link. does not work, please copy and paste link below in a new broswer window:
https://cwbchicago.com/2023/02/26-time-convicted-felon-burglarized-beloved-rogers-park-auto-shop-and-2-other-businesses-prosecutors-say.html