POLICE RAID ILLEGAL NORTH LAWNDALE YOUTH CLUB

    Chicago Police arrested and charged the manager of an illegal club March 27. Markley Jenkins, 33, of the 2700 block of West Polk Street, is charged with Reckless Conduct, Contributing to the delinquency of Minors, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, No Business License, License Required-Public Place of Amusement, No Occupancy Signs, and No City Tax Emblem, all misdemeanors.
    At approximately 12:45 AM, March 27, 11th district officers responded to a disturbance call while a crowd was dispersing from a vacant storefront in the 800 block of South California. Upon arrival, officers spoke to patrons who paid a cover charge to enter the club where alcohol was being served. However, officers were unable to locate a person at that time to conduct a license premise check.
    At approximately 11:30 PM that same night, police were informed that a large number of teenagers were seen entering the premises. Harrison district officers, along with the Mobile Strike Force, responded to that location and observed a man patting down patrons as they entered the club. Once inside, officers observed a club setting, including a DJ, two pool tables with coin slots, a jukebox, and a video game machine. During the course of the investigation, Markley Jenkins, a convicted felon and gang member, was identified as the manager of the club. He was subsequently taken into custody when he could not produce appropriate licenses. Officers also discovered that 61 patrons inside the club were in violation of curfew. The Chicago Fire Department responded after numerous fire code violations were discovered inside the club.
    “During the past year, we have seen numerous incidents of violence, including several shootings and a few homicides, at illegal clubs and house parties,” says 11th district Captain Roger Bay. “This is just one tool we use in an effort to keep our youth out of harm’s way.”