The Evanston Police Department presented commendations to Skokie resident Colin C. Knight and Officers Anthony Sosa, David Cepiel, Robert Pickrell and Matthew Hyatt at the Annual Police Awards Ceremony Monday night.Â
The Evanston Police Department presented commendations to Skokie resident Colin C. Knight and Officers Anthony Sosa, David Cepiel, Robert Pickrell and Matthew Hyatt at the Annual Police Awards Ceremony Monday night.Â
Colin Knight stopped at a red light on Main Street when he witnessed someone smashing the window of a car and snatching a purse from the front seat. He pursued the subject on foot and caught the offender at a parked van. The offender stabbed Knight in the abdomen and sped away in the van. Knight reported the van’s license plate and the offender was apprehended.
Officers Anthony Sosa and David Cepiel responded to an alarm and discovered a subject dressed in all black trying to rob a restaurant. After Sosa, Cepiel and another officer surrounded the premises, the subject surrendered and officers confiscated a hand gun, a red ski mask and money.
Officers Robert Pickrell and Matthew Hyatt were dispatched to the call of a tow truck driver being robbed at gunpoint. They arrived and found the subject in possession of a Colt Python revolver. The subject attempted to pull out the gun, and Pickrell and Hyatt restrained him before the subject could draw the weapon.
The police department also presented honorable mentions to two Evanston residents.
Two siblings Everett, 13, and Madelaine Wood, 11, rescued their mother by calling 9-1-1 after discovering her unconscious on the kitchen floor. They alerted their father, their mother’s employer and school officials of the situation while getting help.
Service Desk Officer Yvette Hopson also received an honorable mention. While on duty she thwarted an attempt at suicide after noticing something white wrapped around a prisoner’s neck.
Detective John Schmidt, Detective Dan Mokos, Patrol Officer Ralph Mieszala and Communications Operator Michael Stonequist were also awarded honorable mentions.Â
Officers Rebecca Niziolek and Kenneth Carter tied for most physically fit officer of the year.
The annual awards ceremony recognizes community members and volunteers who have recently assisted the department and officers who have distinguished themselves through added efforts during routine police business.