Harwood Heights Officer Hurt Investigating Home

HARWOOD HEIGHTS, Ill. (STMW) - A north suburban police sergeant was hospitalized Friday after falling from a porch where police discovered what they say is an uninhabitable home during a well-being check.

Harwood Heights police Sgt. Loren Helwink arrived at the home of Francine Casale in the 4500 block of N. Nagle Ave., after a village water meter reader called the village to request the check after noticing an accumulation of mail on the front porch.

"The sergeant was hurt prior to making entry into the home. He was learning to see into the window and because the railing was rotted, it gave way and he fell about eight feet onto the concrete pavement," explained Harwood Heights Police Chief Mario Ricchio.

Ricchio said police took photos of the home's interior, showing piles of garbage and debris covering the floors. He said police discovered cans and other items piled on the kitchen stove and on the counters.

Ricchio said the photos show piles of trash covering the basement stairs. Inside the garage there are piles of trash and boxes all over, he said. He added there are photos showing a filthy refrigerator and a bathroom in deplorable condition. Photos of where the railing gave way were also taken.

According to police reports, when they arrived, the police were unable to reach anyone at the residence and saw several packages on the front porch. No one answered the residence phone and neighbors also could not be reached.

In addition to speaking with the meter reader, police also spoke with a mail carrier. Both stated they had not seen the homeowner for several days.

A Norwood Park Fire Department ambulance transported Helwink, who complained of severe head and back injuries, to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge. Harwood Heights officials have confirmed that he has since been released.

The Harwood Heights Public Works Department assisted police in getting into the home. Carmen Rinaldi, the village code enforcement officer, posted a sign on the front door stating the house was uninhabitable and the homeowner was not allowed back into the residence.

Casale returned home while police were there and was cited for failure to maintain property.

"She declined we make contact with her family and called her lawyer instead," Ricchio said. "She was set up in a nearby hotel."

Ricchio said he has seen some cases of hoarding before but not this severe.

"In the past when people were proved to be incapable, we've had the Cook County Public Guardian step in," Ricchio said. "They have been contacted. But she has not be evaluated as yet and right now her responsibility is to correct the situation.

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