Multiple arrests for violence and DUI in Southland region

Police in the Southland area reported various incidents related to crime, including carjacking, drug possession, and DUI charges. In Evergreen Park, a 28-year-old man named Robert J. Fiedler was arrested for aggravated battery on March 7. He allegedly tried to put an officer in a headlock and punched the officer during an investigation of a disturbance. In Homewood, Joshua Hester, 40, was arrested for driving under the influence following a crash on February 15. He faced additional charges for driving in the wrong lane and having a suspended license. A group of four young adults was arrested in Monee for trespassing at an unoccupied house on March 7. The individuals, aged 18 to 21, could not provide a lease and did not know the homeowner. In Oak Lawn, Shadrack E. Hawkins, 21, was charged with aggravated assault after his arrest on March 8. Authorities also reported a burglary at Home Depot where over $3,600 worth of carpentry products were stolen. In Park Forest, Michael P. Reda, 35, is facing charges for grooming a minor online. He is scheduled to appear in court on March 27 after being caught in a sting operation arranged by a YouTube channel that investigates predators. A carjacking incident occurred in Steger on March 8. Six teenagers, wearing masks, assaulted a ride-share driver and took his car after threatening him with guns. Lastly, in Will County, Russell L. Johnson, 34, has been charged with aggravated DUI and reckless homicide linked to a deadly crash on February 5. His passengers died when the car he was driving went off the road. Johnson was arrested on March 17 and is being held until his preliminary hearing on April 8.