Shorewood's Hot Corner: Alleged Panhandler Hits Trifecta
A Joliet man was arrested on panhandling charges at the same corner for the third time in less than two months.
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Business must be brisk at the Route 52 exit ramp of Interstate 55 — why else would Spiro Logothetis keep coming back there to get arrested on panhandling charges?
Logothetis, 53, racked up his third such arrest in less than two months on Thursday, all at the I-55 junction on Route 52.
"He just likes that spot — I don't know," said Shorewood Police Chief Aaron Klima.
Logothetis was only arrested one time on Thursday, but back in September he was collared twice within two hours at Route 52 and I-55.
After his most recent arrest, Logothetis gave police the address of MorningStar Mission in Joliet as his residence. He apparently bicycles from the east side shelter all the way to the I-55 exit ramp six or so miles away.
On Thursday, Klima said, Logothetis and another man began panhandling about 3 p.m. in spite of a seat belt enforcement police checkpoint setting up nearby.
The Shorewood police were using marked squad cars as part of the checkpoint detail, but also had an undercover officer posing as a panhandler and holding a sign reading, "Tibet," the chief said.
The undercover assignment stemmed from previous complaints of vagrancy and panhandling in the area, he explained.
The police presence did nothing to put off Logothetis and his unidentified partner, Klima said, but when officers approached them, the other man took off running and escaped capture.
Logothetis, however, got caught, again.
After he was processed and released with a court date, Logothetis returned to the corner to retrieve his bicycle, Klima said, but this time departed without resuming his illicit scrounging from motorists.
While Logothetis is allegedly persistent when it comes to panhandling in the face of the law, he is cooperative when he taken into custody, Klima said.
"The guys have brought him coffee before," the chief said. "They try to be nice to him."
Infamous Steve
9:09 am on Wednesday, November 16, 2011
So if Shorewood doesn't like beggers so much how come they let wal-mart and jewel let beggers stand out in front of the store. Went to Wal-mart this past weekend and there was a group of kids doing nothing more then begging. They were just standing there leaning against the wall looking like they'd rather be playing video games. Were they selling anything, offering a service? No! they were just standing there begging. I'm sure most of you by now that read my comments can tell I know how to go on a rant and for those kid's sake I am glad they didn't beg from me. Or you know I would of told then what they can go do. And then Hey maybe I would of made the blotter.{kinda wish they would of begged from me now LOL} They could atleast be out there with sometihng to sell or even offer a car wash or something. No wonder most kids nowadays think they are entitled to everything. Look at what the human race has become Shame on those kids and everyone that gives into thier begging.
CARL SPACKLER
9:21 am on Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Steve, you need spell check desperately
Tony
9:42 am on Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Panhandlers are a pain in the you know what and I am glad Shorewood enforces laws that apply to it .A lot of schools have fund raisers for their sports programs and I see nothing wrong with this, a lot of programs have been cut at schools because of the lack of funding. If I see kids in uniforms from their school I will donate and that is the only way. To many people use the fund raising scam for their own profit and the schools never see a dime of the money and that really hurts the sports programs and the bands . I think a village permit should be issued before anyone can collect money for any programs, this way the vllage can monitor who is collecting the money and for what.
Walter Anderson
10:48 am on Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Panhamdlers on a corner or exit ramp pose a serious hazard to motorists and themselves. They should be picked up, issued a "P" ticket for being a public menace and sent on their way. In the case of multiple arrests, they are simply showing complete disregard for the authority of the police and for the laws we live under. They should be jailed until their case can be sent to court for disposition by a judge..
Freddie Kissell
11:15 am on Wednesday, November 16, 2011
He just likes that spot -- LOL
Pam
4:56 pm on Wednesday, November 16, 2011
He likes that spot because there is so many kind, caring, and giving people here in shorewood. With more people homeless and unemployed may see more of this. Sad to see so close to Thanksgiving. So thankful for what i have and glad to hear that they sometimes buy them a coffee before sending them on their way.
Theresa
11:49 pm on Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Oh yes Spiro! He's a notorious alcoholic that washes up where I work frequently. Without breaking too many HIPAA laws here, let it just be known that not only are Joliet/Shorewood tax payers funding those services, but also giving him money to buy more booze to get there. I always wondered how he held down a job to get money to pay for all that liquor, now I know......
JGK
4:55 pm on Tuesday, November 22, 2011
How could you decipher a panhandler from the people with the Recall signs...???
JGK
Riverwest Annex (Shorewood)