An Evanston man who neighbors say operates an unlicensed auto repair business from his backyard garage has been arrested on a battery charge.

Police Cmdr. Jay Parrott says Kevin J. Riley, 39, of 1804 Washington St., was arrested at his home Sunday afternoon after a 26-year-old woman who’d gone there to pick up a car jack complained that he’d hit her.

Parrott said neighbors for years have complained about nuisances related to Riley’s car repair activities and that city officials have been working with Riley to resolve the issues. To date no charges have been filed in connection with those complaints, he said.

Riley’s home is in an area zoned R3, which does not permit car-repair businesses.

Alderman Peter Braithwaite, 2nd Ward, said he was aware of the complaints and was checking with city officials to determine why it is taking so long to resolve the issues.

A resident of Evanston since 1975, Chuck Bartling holds a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University and has extensive experience as a reporter and editor for daily newspapers, radio...

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