Stolen trampoline is part of “ups and downs”

Someone stole a backyard trampoline between 11 p.m. last Sunday night and noon Monday, police said.

At about 11 a.m. Tuesday, a resident of the 1500 block of Oakton St. reported the theft to police, Evanston Police Department Cmdr. Tom Guenther said. The trampoline, which had a silver frame and a black netting, is worth approximately $300, Guenther said.

Police are investigating but have named no suspects.

Guenther said the case was the first trampoline theft he has dealt with.

“That’s a first, to be honest with you,” he said, joking that it was just one of the many “ups and downs” associated with his job.

SafeRide car dented on Tuesday morning

Someone dented a SafeRide vehicle Tuesday morning, authorities said.

The damage occurred between 2:30 a.m. and noon, while the Toyota Prius was parked at 629 Colfax St., University Police Asst. Chief Dan McAleer said. An officer investigating the incident found two shoe prints on the hood and one print on the roof. The officer found another shoe print by a dent on the passenger’s side rear tire.

Judging by the prints, the culprit was probably wearing athletic shoes, McAleer said.

Police are investigating.

Suspect arrested for identity theft felony

Police arrested a suspected identity thief Tuesday morning, Guenther said.

The suspect allegedly charged multiple bills from Evanston Hospital to an unsuspecting victim, Guenther said. The suspect was paying for treatment that occurred last November.

Investigating officers discovered that the suspect had also used the victim’s identification for employment purposes, Guenther said.

The suspect, Rafael Ruiz, 38, of 6221 North Kedzie Ave., Chicago, was arrested on felony identity theft charges. He is scheduled to appear in court on April 28 at 9 a.m.

-Adam Sege