LAKE and HALSTED, Chicago...STREET FIGHTING

THE LAKE STREET
WEEKEND FIGHT CLUB
& the infamous "LAKE STREET LOCKDOWN"*
* FOR MORE "LOCKDOWN" DETAILS, GO THE BOTTOM OF THE HOMEPAGE

WARNING! The following video clips contain offensive language and depict actual violence.
* ALL videotaped incidents have been shortened and reduced in quality to accommodate this web format.
* All views are of Lake Street looking south, with Halsted on the left & Green St on the right.
* ALL video sound files (including any background music) were recorded simultaneously,
along with the images, AS ACTUALLY HEARD ON THE STREET.
The sound has NOT been enhanced, supplemented or amplified.

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(Be sure to turn up your computer's sound!)

The Lake Street nightclubs close at 2:00 AM every morning,
except for Saturday night, when the clubs close at 3:00 AM, Sunday morning.

9/24/06, Sunday, 2:51 AM:
CHICAGO POLICE CLEAR THE STREET WHEN THE NIGHTCLUBS CLOSE
WONDER WHY THERE HASN'T BEEN ANY MAJOR GANG FIGHTING RECENTLY OUTSIDE THE NIGHTCLUBS?
12th District Police Officers continue the LAKE STREET LOCKDOWN, and are stationed outside the clubs every Saturday night and other nights when large crowds are present. After midnight, Lake Street, between Halsted and Green, is shut down to all traffic. Around closing time, additional Officers and Police vehicles are also present along Lake Street.
CLICK THIS LINK TO SEE A PHOTO

5/21/06, Sunday, 2:53 to 3:30 AM: REUNION MOB BRAWL
2: 32 AM: The Saturday night/Sunday morning club closing activities began early with a woman screaming and trying to get away from a man on the north side of Lake Street. (we use the word "man" advisedly, since a real "MAN" doesn't bully women) Alert Security from both clubs were quick to intervene and Police Tactical Officers, stationed nearby, moved in for the arrest when the man became belligerent.

2:53 AM: Shouting amidst an exiting REUNION crowd, accumulated outside the door, rapidly escalated into shoves and punches. To REUNION Security's credit, they reacted immediately and grabbed several of the culprits, separating them from one another. The aggressors, however, were intent on continuing the brawl. Two Police Officers stationed at Green called for backup and moved in, as club Security grappled with the men in the street. This was NOT the typical girl/girl "keep your hands off-MY-man" fight. This was a MOB of angry guys who absolutely refused to settle down!

REUNION Security and several Chicago Police Officers who'd arrived at the scene, kept the rabble-rousers moving east, and traffic was interrupted at Halsted as the mob moved back and forth across the intersection. All the while, club Security and Police Officers were standing between the feuding factions to prevent them from reaching each other. It was ONLY the quick response of club Security and Chicago Police Officers stationed at the site, that prevented the mob from turning into a knock-down-and-drag-out fistfight.

3:00 AM: CHROMIUM patrons were exiting as Police Officers and Security walked back west to the clubs. The presence of several Police squads and Tac cars may have persuaded CHROMIUM patrons from potential misbehavior.

3:20 AM: It seemed as though things had wound down, till several men from the initial mob of REUNION patrons rounded the corner at Green Street, after circling the block. Although some of the Police squads had already left, squad cars returned and were accompanied by a Police Paddy Wagon. Once again, Club Security and Chicago Police Officers intervened and escorted the mini-mob east again.
CLICK THIS LINK TO SEE A FULL-SIZE PHOTO

5/7/06, Sunday, 3:05 AM: CHROMIUM FEUD END IN ARRESTS
"Sarge", head of CHROMIUM security, and fellow CHROMIUM employees surround a patron and herd him west along Lake Street. Sarge continues arguing with the patron as tempers rise. Dino Perez (CHROMIUM'S resident DJ) pulls Sarge away as Raul Perez gestures for Sarge to leave. Although several CHROMIUM employees attempt to get between Sarge and the patron, Sarge approaches the patron again and a shoving match follows. Dino throws up his arms in frustration as a scuffle ensues. 2 Police Officers try to wrestle the patron away from the group, when a man from the crowd jumps on the patron and throws him to the street.

The Police Officers attempt to handcuff the patron, yet when Chromium's security start to run over to assist the Officers, Sarge stops them. It becomes evident that the man who is "assisting" the police, by holding the patron down, also has a personal grudge with the patron. As the patron is lying in the street, his girlfriend tries to intervene and slips out of her coat when one Officer tries to get her to leave. While the Officer is distracted, the man who was "assisting" the Police gets up and kicks the handcuffed patron. When the Officer notices the patron being kicked, he steps between the patron and man. The man temporarily walks away.

At the same time, Sarge and Chris (REUNION'S security guy) hold the patron's girlfriend and keep her away from the Police. After the Police struggle to handcuff the patron, the kicking man returns, bends over the handcuffed patron, spits on him, kicks him some more, then spits again. The handcuffed patron may have been injured by the unknown man kicking him, as an ambulance arrives shortly. The patron's girlfriend was uneventfully led away in handcuffs.

We're really curious why CHROMIUM'S security DID NOT ASSIST THE POLICE!!! There were at least EIGHT security guys AND a rented security guy watching from a few feet away!!! (something's fishy here) Sarge DIDN'T seem to have a problem restraining the patron's girlfriend. Could the violent incident have been avoided had CHROMIUM security reacted appropriately? Was CHROMIUM security part of the problem, rather than the resolution? (and where is Tony Perez, CHROMIUM'S manager?... haven't seen much of him lately)

CLICK THESE LINKS FOR PHOTOS: PHOTO 1 PHOTO 2 PHOTO 3

1/29/06, Sunday, 2:48 AM: CHROMIUM FIGHTS & ARREST
Chromium security has become lax again and the Police Officers on duty arrange Chromium's crowd control barricades. As the club exits, no one is moving the crowds along anymore and a mob congregates with several people yelling threats, intent on fighting. A man approaches from the parking lot adjacent to Chromium and threatens the Police Officers with upheld fists. As he is subdued and arrested, several other men join the mob action in front of Chromium. Eight Chicago Police squad cars and two paddy wagons are required to bring the crowd under control.
CLICK THIS LINK TO SEE A FULL-SIZE PHOTO

1/22/06, Sunday, 2:50 AM: CHROMIUM SKIRMISH
Police Officers stationed in a paddy wagon intercede when a skirmish starts outside Chromium. A few minutes later an argument breaks out in the street and ties up traffic till the Police intercede again and get the cars moving. Since Chromium's security doesn't appear to be managing the valet traffic, the Police begin directing cars to keep the street clear.

11/26-27/05, Sat PM to Sun AM: LAKE STREET LOCKDOWN
POLICE COMMANDER SUPERVISES FIRST LOCKDOWN: Escalating fights by Lake & Halsted area nightclub patrons has compelled the Chicago Police Department to resort to more extreme tactics to discourage potential violence.

12th District Police Commander, Ronald Sodini, is present from Saturday night into Sunday morning to implement and supervise a new plan of action. The Commander (pictured in light-colored jacket & pants) directs CHROMIUM'S and REUNION'S security staff to unload Police barricades and set them up in front of the nightclubs to manage the crowds. The 900 block of West Lake Street is blocked off at Halsted & Green with Police Squad cars stationed at each end of the block. A long line of people, waiting to enter CLUB REUNION, are asked to leave once REUNION is filled to capacity.

Commander Sodini confers with additional Police stationed along the street and speaks directly with CHROMIUM'S and REUNION'S security staff about controlling the crowds. All vehicle traffic is suspended, and club patrons are required to pick up their valeted cars at the corner of Lake & Green Streets when they leave the clubs. Unlike the previous weekend, there are no incidents while the nightclubs are open and the Police are present.
~ NOTE: Sound is muffled since this was filmed through a closed window

11/27/05, Sunday, 3:05 AM: WOMEN CLUB PATRONS FIGHT
What initially began as a domestic disturbance among REUNION patrons earlier this night, escalates into a mostly female brawl 20 minutes later at the SW corner of Lake & Halsted.

Barely a minute after the Police remove the barricades and the last Squad car leaves the street, several women engage in hand-to-hand combat. The first Chicago Police car arrives almost immediately. It appears REUNION'S security intervenes and is assisted by CHROMIUM'S security. Several additional Police Squad cars arrive to assist.
~ NOTE: Sound is muffled on the first half of the Video Clip since it was filmed through a closed window
HINT: It's difficult to single out the REUNION security staff since they're wearing dark-colored jackets. CHROMIUM security can be spotted easily wearing bright colors, also making it safer when they direct traffic.

Saturday Night 11/19 into Sunday Morning 11/20
CLUB REUNION & CHROMIUM NIGHTCLUB PATRONS ARE OUT OF CONTROL!!!

More than TWO DOZEN Police & Emergency vehicles responded within an hour:
BOTH Nightclubs throw their problems patrons out in the street for the neighborhood, and inevitably the Chicago Police, to contend with. Consequently there's no record of fighting INSIDE the Clubs, which might impact their Liquor Licenses. However, when nightclub patrons are not calmed before they're evicted it results in a potentially explosive situation.

Following are FOUR consecutive Video Clips, FROM THE SAME NIGHT:

1st Video- 11/20/05, Sunday, 1:54 AM: REUNION MOB FIGHT
Several patrons are evicted from REUNION and are yelling as they exit the main door. A scuffle with REUNION security ensues and punches are thrown. Altercations continue as fighting escalates and moves left (east) off-camera and then back and forth along Lake Street. The fighting creates a traffic jam and cars are honking their horns. A Chicago Police Officer, stationed at the site, intervenes and calls for back-up.

Meanwhile, a car pulls up in front of REUNION with 3 men, apparently intent on joining the brawl. One man is waving a club as he exits the passenger seat. As the Chicago Police Officer approaches the car, the men back down and leave (temporarily). The Officer's presence averted what may have been a (more) violent situation.

Several people are still fighting and yelling threats, and a man to the left of the camera repeats, "I'm gonna' cut you up!" The car with 3 men pulls by again, but leaves when Police arrive. Moments later sirens can be heard as several Police vehicles arrive to control the next fight. (the ensuing fight can be seen in the following video clip)
~ NOTE: Sound is muffled since this was filmed through a closed window

2nd Video- 11/20/05, Sunday, 2:07 AM: STREET FIGHT AT GREEN ST.
While the Chicago Police are concentrating on the REUNION fights at the east end of the block, a brawl begins on the west end of the block at Green Street. Curious REUNION and CHROMIUM patrons run to the new fight location. Moments later several Chicago Police vehicles arrive from every direction. Police Officers located at Halsted, who were settling the original REUNION fight, run west to the next brawl. The street is filled with several Police and emergency vehicles.
~ NOTE: Sound is muffled on the first half of the Video Clip since it was filmed through a closed window
CLICK THIS LINK TO SEE A FULL-SIZE PHOTO

3rd Video- 11/20/05, Sunday, 2:22 AM: REUNION VACATED EARLY
ALL the patrons of CLUB REUNION are vacated early because of the fighting. Most of the patrons are not pleased and initially some are reluctant to leave the street. Chicago Police block the street off entirely for all cars, including the parking valets. A Squad car stationed in the center of the street makes repeated announcements until most of the REUNION patrons leave the area.

4th Video- 11/20/05, Sunday, 2:42 AM: CHROMIUM FIGHTS & ARRESTS
In spite of increased Chicago Police presence throughout the night, CHROMIUM patrons are determined to fight among themselves and with CHROMIUM'S security staff. Some of the fighting originates inside the building and spills out into the street. This video clip shows several people involved in a group fight while exiting the main door. One man is lead away in handcuffs to a waiting Police Squad car (on the right). Several other fist fights follow in front of CHROMIUM and in the adjacent parking lot. A member of Chromium's "security" staff assaults a Chicago Police Officer and has to be subdued before he is arrested. (note end of video clip).

11/12/05, Saturday, 2:00 to 2:26 AM: 3 DISPUTES AFTER CLOSING
This video clip documents CHROMIUM patrons involved in THREE altercations in the early hours of Saturday, 11/12 as they leave FRIDAY night's "Frankie J. Live Concert". Recorded were two scuffles at the CHROMIUM valet parking area across the street, the second requiring intervention by a Chicago Police Tac car and Police Squad car. A second Police Squad car arrives and both monitor the closing crowd to prevent further fighting. Later, in a third altercation, someone in a car confronts CHROMIUM'S security, then clashes with a Chicago Police Officer. The culprit was arrested and led away in handcuffs... an unforgettable night.
3 days later, at the 11/15 City Hall meeting convened to discuss neighborhood concerns with CHROMIUM, Tony Perez (CHROMIUM'S manager) gave us the impression that most of the attendees this FRIDAY night were "girls". None of the aggressors in these 3 incidents appear to be female...an innocent oversight, we surmise.

QUESTION: HOW MANY CHROMIUM SECURITY GUARDS DOES IT TAKE
TO DISCUSS A DIFFERENCE OF OPINION WITH ONE PATRON?
ANSWER: FIFTEEN!
A HOPEFUL SOLUTION HAS BECOME ANOTHER PROBLEM!!!
As documented by earlier video clips on this page, it was only three months ago that CHROMIUM'S "security" passively watched as routine gang fights proliferated, particularly at the club's closing time. Apprised they are being scrutinized, CHROMIUM has increased their "security" staff and has begun to intercede when there is fighting among CHROMIUM patrons. Unfortunately, it appears that CHROMIUM'S "security" now operates with the misguided notion that their expanded job description and additional personnel permits them to act autonomously, outside the law.

10/30/05, Sunday, 4:25 AM: AFTER HOURS (3:25 AM AFTER time change)
On this night several Chicago Police Squad and Tac cars have closed off the 800 block of Lake and are stationed along the street to assist with chronic CHROMIUM closing problems. CHROMIUM stops filming their own videotape and the last squad car leaves the area at 4:17 AM (BEFORE time change).

Eight minutes later, FIFTEEN of CHROMIUM'S "security" & employees exit the building and surround a CHROMIUM patron with whom they have a prior disagreement. Aware of the presence and fixed range of the surveillance camera recording this videotape, some of CHROMIUM'S employees casually disband. Others escort the CHROMIUM patron off-camera to the north side of Lake on Green Street.

One by one, the remaining CHROMIUM "security" employees rejoin their counterparts off-camera on the north side of the street while another stands watch on the south side of the Lake Street. CHROMIUM turns off all external lights and several minutes later CHROMIUM'S employees walk back to CHROMIUM WITHOUT the escorted patron. This complete surveillance tape ends at 5:36 AM (BEFORE time change) as CHROMIUM employees are still exiting and reentering the building.
TO VIEW SOME OF THE AFTERMATH, GO TO THE "NEIGHBORHOOD" PAGE AND FOLLOW THE BLOOD TRAIL, OR CLICK ON THESE LINKS: BLOOD 1 BLOOD 2 BLOOD 3 BLOOD 4 BLOOD 5 BLOOD 6

10/23/05, Sunday, 2:59 AM: FIGHT VIDEO CLIP
Early Sunday morning fighting among CHROMIUM patrons continues when the club closes. CHROMIUM security reacts quickly to a fight in the adjacent parking lot as Chicago Police Tactical Officers stationed outside CHROMIUM call for additional Police backup.

10/2/05, Sunday, 2:56 AM: FIGHT VIDEO CLIP
To discourage early morning fighting, Chicago Police Tactical Officers are stationed outside CHROMIUM, Lake Street is closed off for two blocks and extra CHROMIUM security people are posted outside the club. In spite of all the precautions, CHROMIUM patrons are determined to fight. A group fight breaks out in the parking lot to the west and continues into the street. CHROMIUM security has recently begun to intercede, yet once they break up the fight it resumes again in the parking lot. Crowds gather to watch as additional Police units respond and street traffic temporarily comes to a halt.

9/18/05, Sunday, 2:50 AM: 3 FIGHTS AT CLOSING..
3 Chicago Police Tactical Officers are stationed outside CHROMIUM to discourage fighting after closing, so CHROMIUM patrons take the fighting across the street. One fight breaks out north of Lake around the corner on Green and a second fight breaks out at the corner of Lake and Green. While the Officers are subduing the first two fights, a third and larger fight starts across from CHROMIUM by the valet parking and continues north into the parking lot.
CLICK THESE LINKS FOR PHOTOS: PHOTO 1 PHOTO 2 PHOTO 3

9/17/05, Saturday, 1:37 AM: POLICE VEHICLES
Police & Emergency vehicles are called to the scene after a disturbance among REUNION patrons. Some of the Police Tactical Unit cars have already left the scene in this video.
CLICK THIS LINK TO SEE A FULL-SIZE PHOTO

9/10/05, Saturday, 2:18 AM: FIGHT VIDEO CLIP
Fighting among nightclub patrons has ceased when the Chicago Police are walking the streets, but as soon as they leave... REUNION patrons join the Weekend Fight Club when a fight breaks out between aprox. 10 male & females in front of 808 W Lake. Fighting escalates when a car pulls into the 808 Lake driveway and the group expands to more than 20.
(SEE THE STILL PHOTOS BELOW) Since the fighting occurs on the sidewalk just below the "real time" surveillance camera, you can only HEAR the fight in the movie clip and see the Chicago Police Tac car in the street (end of clip). Intermittent photos of the ACTUAL FIGHTING were taken by stationary surveillance cameras. A sampling of thes photos can be seen below.

8/26/05, Friday, 2:00 AM: FIGHT VIDEO CLIP.......
CHROMIUM'S Thursday night "Invitation Only" Miller Beer-sponsored concert drew a smaller crowd and the Chicago Police were stationed in a patrol car directly across the street. The CHROMIUM patrons still managed to start a small fight at closing which included girls.

8/21/05, Sunday, 3:05 AM: FIGHT VIDEO CLIP
After closing, a group fight breaks out among CHROMIUM patrons in the street in front of the building and expands to the lot on the west. Chicago Police respond immediately on foot and several Police vehicles follow. Arrests are made and Lake Street traffic is diverted around the area.
CLICK THESE LINKS FOR PHOTOS: PHOTO 1 PHOTO 2 PHOTO 3

8/7/05, Sunday, 3:12 AM: FIGHT VIDEO CLIP.......
After closing, a group fight breaks out on the sidewalk in front of CHROMIUM among its patrons and expands to the adjacent lot. Lake street is block as spectators gather to watch. Several Police vehicles respond and Lake Street traffic is diverted around the area.
CLICK THESE LINKS FOR PHOTOS: PHOTO 1 PHOTO 2 PHOTO 3 PHOTO 4

7/31/05, Sunday, 3:19 AM: FIGHT VIDEO CLIP
Patrons double and triple park in front of CHROMIUM after closing to "socialize", unconcerned about creating a traffic jam for several blocks. Rival groups of young men have gathered off-camera to the east and break glass bottles as others run to join in for a street fight that blocks traffic.

7/24/05, Sunday, 3:22 AM: FIGHT VIDEO CLIP.....
A group fight breaks out after closing at CHROMIUM'S east exit door. One guy is beaten against a car by a group of men and another is beaten and kicked on the sidewalk by a second group. CHROMIUM security watches the fight then closes the door and goes inside.

The second guy is kicked repeatedly while a woman screams and CHROMIUM security watches from the door's window. One of the victims tries to escape and runs into the street where he is beat again. The second victim runs into the street and is beaten against a car that is stopped in traffic. When Police Officers arrive they approach REUNION, since this was the club given in the 911 call.

Because fighting among nightclub patrons may impact the club's Liquor License, anonymous calls are often made from cell phones, directing the Police to the adjacent club or another address, other than the club where the fighting actually originated. When 911 records are evaluated, unfortunately they may not provide an accurate accounting of exactly WHO is responsible for the problem if it occurred OUTSIDE the club.

SATURDAY MORNING, 9/10/05, BEGINNING AT 2:14 AM
THE FOLLOWING ARE STILL PHOTOS TAKEN FROM A SURVEILLANCE VIDEO LOOKING SOUTH FROM THE ROOF OF 808 W LAKE INTO THE PARKING LOT AND SOUTHEAST FROM THE ENTRANCE AT GROUND LEVEL

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