Michael Altman, a fourth-generation CFD firefighter, leaves behind a wife, young son and infant daughter
A Rogers Park resident said he called police the night before a deadly apartment fire, but they never came. He now wonders if a response could have prevented the blaze andDamon McElroy told the ABC7 I-Team he called 911, asking for help after hearing screaming and threats from the man now accused of arson and the murder of Chicago Firefighter Michael Altman , but he said police never followed up until after the fire and Altman's death.
"I called police for a noise complaint because he wouldn't stop screaming. He went from screaming to third floor, second floor first into the ground, and just wouldn't stop screaming. And he was screaming upward so we can hear him," McElroy said. He said called police on Sunday, March 15 around 10:30 p.m. after he said he heard Sheaves Slate screaming and making threats at 1757 W. North Shore in Rogers Park, saying "You're going to pay for this, you're going to pay for this."of Altman and was ordered detained in court this week after prosecutors say early the next morning he intentionally lit a mattress on fire in the basement setting the building ablaze. Altman fell through the first floor into the basement while battling that fire, later dying from his injuries. McElroy is left wondering if more could have been done. "Is doing the right thing good enough anymore? What's the point of calling for help if there isn't going to be any?" McElroy said. He said after his initial call to police when no one responded, he called back about 15 minutes later to tell them he believed Slate had left the premises, but according to court documents, Slate had not, and he was caught on a Ring doorbell camera still in the building around 11 p.m. "'Do a wellness check at least. Because you know that screaming could have turned into, as you can see, something more. It could be turned violent. You know, there could be a victim or something you don't, you don't know," McElroy said. Prosecutors said Slate had an outstanding warrant after failing to present himself at court for previous arrests. McElroy voicing his concerns about building security claiming, "He wasn't on the lease. He didn't live there. He was squatting there." On the day of Firefighter Altman's visitation Thursday, McElroy told the I-Team he is still conflicted about the police response.Funeral postponed for Chicago firefighter Michael Altman after widow gives birth; visitation Thursday "They could have done something, because, like, if you can't see that a life is lost and people are hurting because they lost their family member, I don't know what to tell you," McElroy said. The I-Team reached out to Chicago police about their response to McElroy's call. They only said there are no updates, there is no further information at this time. The property management company for the building, Fulton Grace, said they acted earlier this month to remove Slate from the building after learning he was there unaccompanied but had no additional notifications from residents about security issues or trespassers."First and foremost, we are deeply saddened by this tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the family of Michael Altman, as well as all residents who were displaced by the fire. Our company assumed management of the building in mid-January of this year. On March 2, we became aware that a resident had allowed a non-resident entry to a common area of the building. While on-site that same day for a maintenance request, a staff member encountered this individual in a common area, at which point he confirmed he was let in by a resident. After further questioning the individual and discovering he was unaccompanied, immediate action was taken to escort him off the premises, confirm the building remained secure, and provide notice to tenants of this incident, along with reiterating building policies and the prohibition of unaccompanied guests. Beyond this isolated incident, we have no record of any additional notifications related to trespassers or security issues of the building, and we have followed all industry best practices to maintain a secure environment since assuming management duties of this property. We are actively working with the Red Cross to support displaced residents and are cooperating fully with the Chicago Police and Fire Departments as their investigation continues."
Dies Death Michael Altman Died Cfd Injured 18783202
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Former Deputy National Security Advisor Answers Geopolitics QuestionsFormer Deputy National Security Advisor of the United States Ben Rhodes joins WIRED for a super-sized edition of Tech Support to answer the internet's questions about the geopolitical climate and how we got here.
Read more »
Former Utah governor questions lack of transparency on planned ICE facility in Salt LakeFormer Utah Gov. Gary Herbert addressed growing concerns over a planned ICE detention facility in Salt Lake City, pointing to frustration over how the project c
Read more »
Hickenlooper Investments Raise Questions Amid Push to Ban Congressional Stock TradingColorado Senator John Hicknelooper’s trust bought stock in companies affected by the Democrat’s congressional committees.
Read more »
Pair charged in killing of contractor near United Center in Chicago: CPDTwo people are facing charges after the deadly shooting of a contractor who was shot and killed just blocks from Chicago's United Center.
Read more »
1 Year Later, Avengers: Doomsday's Chair Reveal Has Become WorseChris Evans as Steve Rogers looking at his child in Avengers: Doomsday
Read more »
Funeral postponed for Chicago firefighter Michael Altman; visitation ThursdayMichael Altman, a fourth-generation CFD firefighter, leaves behind a wife, young son and infant daughter
Read more »