Police Break Up West Side Warehouse Party, Three Arrested

By Kevin Robinson in News on Dec 29, 2009 8:40PM

Chicago police broke up what they say was an illegal party on the West side over the weekend - in a former industrial building in the Lawndale neighborhood. Unlike the typical underground party the cops in Chicago break up, this one featured "an elaborate, club-style entry to the building," industrial spotlights, a sign and velvet ropes. The Harrison Police District commander tells the Tribune that he’s been focusing on cracking down on illegal parties in that area due to the shootings and violence that often accompanies them.

When the Chicago Police Mobile Strike Force arrived shortly before one a.m. Sunday morning, they found a line of people waiting to get in, and two men in soft body armor acting as security, patting people down before admitting them. Inside, more than 300 were drinking and dancing. Police have charged the two - Dwayne Troupe, 22, and Ambrosio Silva, 28 - with felony unlawful use of a weapon, as police claim both were found to be carrying handguns. Also arrested was Zenobia Mills, 28, who police allege was found inside the building with a gun. Two Chicago men and a Hillside woman were charged with serving alcohol without a license, and a Maywood man and DJ Tankboy a Chicago man were cited for DJing without a license.