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March 9, 2010

CHICAGO - At a press conference this afternoon, Deputy Fire Commissioner Nicolas Russell responded to the robbery incident involving a man posing as a fire official, saying at no time will a fire inspector ask for cash, check or credit card.
Commissioner Russell said fines are paid straight to the city of Chicago.
Witnesses say a man walked into The Burton Place Bar, 1447 N. Wells, around 2:55 a.m. today posing as a fire lieutenant.
A 911 caller told police the man wore a Chicago Fire Department sweatshirt and carried a radio.
While at the bar, the man said he wanted to talk to the boss about an emergency, according to a preliminary police report.
The man did not threaten anyone but was given an unknown amount of money.
Employees at Burton Place would not comment.
The suspect is described as a black man, 40-50 years old.
He was also wearing blue cargo pants, and had a diamond stud earring in each ear.
Inspectors are always dressed in full uniform, not just a sweatshirt with CFD on the back. They will also show you identification, when asked.
Police say a similar theft happened Saturday at the Lakeshore Athletic club N. Stetson.
Eva Gonzalez, membership director, says the impostor had everyone fooled.
The suspect told workers he was a Chicago Fire Department Inspector.
He told workers the building's fire extinguishers were expired and he threatened to shut down the club's spa unless they paid a $260 fine.
He got the cash, and police believe he also stole money from a manager's purse.

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