2024-07-28 – Patrol Investigation
📄 2024-07-28 – Patrol Investigation
They tainted my environment—what I breathed, what I drank. I reported it. The system looked away.
On July 28, 2024, Dana Wilson contacted Chatham Police after experiencing worsening air quality and strange reactions to her water inside her rented duplex. The conditions became so unbearable—causing a burning throat and skin tingling—that she had to evacuate the home with her dogs and seek safety at a local dog park. Dana compared the air to military-grade gas from her Army training and expressed concerns that her landlord, Connor Properties, or others from her past may have tampered with her home environment.
Despite these alarming symptoms and visual evidence, the responding officer treated it as a civil matter, declined to test the air or water, and provided no referral for environmental testing. The incident added to Dana’s ongoing battle with unsafe housing, landlord neglect, and a broader pattern of coordinated targeting that included surveillance, electronic interference, and health threats.
Dana continues to document the situation with photos, FOIA requests, and outreach to the FBI, and public health authorities, seeking justice and safe living conditions.
Summary: July 28, 2024 – Patrol Investigation of Home Water and Air Conditions (Incident Report 2024-00007122)
Dana Wilson contacted the Chatham Police to report worsening air quality and ongoing water issues in her duplex, which she believed were related to negligence by the property management, Connor Properties. She noted that the conditions in her home were causing physical discomfort and raised concerns about potential hazards. Dana compared the smell of the air to chemicals used during military training and recalled a similar odor from her time working at Concordia Court with the Illinois Department of Corrections.
Key Concerns Reported by Dana:
1. Water Issues:
o Dana described that her city water valve was initially broken and not adequately addressed by maintenance staff.
o She hired Roto-Rooter, who discovered significant sediment buildup in the water heater that clogged their tools during the flushing process.
o Dana reported tingling and burning sensations when washing her hands and expressed concerns about potential contamination or chemical reactions.
2. HVAC and Air Quality Concerns:
o Dana described an overpowering electrical smell when the HVAC system was in use.
o She pointed out that the air ducts were not made of standard metal but instead consisted of squished black tubing, some covered with plastic material, which restricted airflow and raised fire safety concerns.
o The ducts appeared to be connected improperly, potentially to the adjoining duplex unit.
3. Maintenance Issues:
o Dana noted that maintenance workers used a pump during a visit, which she believed introduced substances into the water heater rather than properly flushing it.
o Maintenance staff did not provide documentation or credentials, and Dana suspected that unlicensed workers were performing repairs.
o After their visits, the air and water conditions worsened.
4. Landlord and Property Management History:
o Dana expressed distrust toward Connor Properties due to what she described as rushed and inadequate repairs, unexplained charges, and unprofessional behavior.
o She believed the company was trying to force her out of the property.
Police Response:
The responding officer noted the complexity of the situation and explained that the police department does not have the expertise or equipment to test air or water quality.
The officer performed a walkthrough of the home but stated that the issues appeared to be civil matters and advised Dana to contact the utility office for professional water testing.
The officer indicated that responsibility for repairs and maintenance lies with the landlord, not law enforcement.
Police Report Incident Type: Mental Illness/No Crime
Location: 1413 Sequoia Drive, Chatham, IL 62629
Reporting Officer ID: 11028 – Sommer
Reported Date: 10/18/2015 20:15 Sunday
Group/ORI: IL0840400
Crime Code: 6018
Description: Chatham – Involuntary Committal
Summary of Police Interaction and Property Concerns:
Context and Background:
Dana called the Chatham Police due to worsening air quality in her duplex. Having prior military experience, Dana compared the air quality to the gas used during training and referenced her time at Concordia Court with the Illinois Department of Corrections, where she encountered a similar smell. Previous complaints were made to the property management company regarding the electrical heating smell. An inspection of the ductwork revealed improper and potentially hazardous conditions, including:
Large tubing in the ceiling covered with black trash bag material.
Ductwork connected to the adjoining duplex instead of being regulated.
Squished tubing that narrowed airflow passages.
Plugged vents rather than properly connected openings to the HVAC system.
Transcript Key Points:
1. Concerns Reported to Police: Dana expressed ongoing concerns about water contamination, faulty HVAC systems, and overall safety. She documented her concerns thoroughly and consulted legal counsel.
2. Water Issues: Dana noted that the city water valve was initially broken and not properly addressed. She had to hire Roto-Rooter, who found significant sediment buildup clogging their tools during the flushing process.
3. Property Management Responses: Dana mentioned that the maintenance team returned without providing adequate documentation, used questionable methods (e.g., pumping water instead of proper flushing), and included unlicensed workers during repairs.
4. Health and Safety Concerns: Dana noted that after the maintenance visits, the water caused a tingling sensation on her skin, and the basement smelled of burning electrical components. She was forced to turn off the air conditioning due to the worsening smell and resorted to taking her dogs to the dog park due to the oppressive indoor air.
5. Police Response:
o The officer acknowledged the complexity of the situation but stated that they were not qualified to evaluate air or water quality.
o The officer advised contacting the utility office for water concerns and indicated that the responsibility for repairs lies with the landlord (Connor Properties).
o The officer agreed to walk through the property but clarified that the issues were civil rather than criminal matters and beyond their enforcement scope.
6. Property Management History: Dana described a pattern of neglect and unfair treatment by the property management company, referencing overcharges and frequent, unprofessional repair visits.
7. Next Steps Suggested:
o Continue documenting incidents and consulting legal counsel.
o Contact the utility office for further water testing.
o Ensure that property inspections involve licensed professionals.
Overall: Dana has faced systemic neglect and inadequate responses from the property management team, leading her to seek legal and municipal support to address ongoing safety and quality-of-living concerns in her duplex.
Additional Summary of Police Interaction Regarding Air and Water Concerns
Background and Concerns:
Dana led the police officer through her duplex to show specific concerns related to water quality, the HVAC system, and safety issues. The officer reiterated that the concerns appeared civil rather than criminal.
Transcript Key Points:
1. Water Heater Issues:
o Dana described pain and tingling sensations when rinsing her hands and expressed concerns about potential burns or reactions from the water.
o She recorded and documented property management personnel using a pump to put substances into the water heater during a previous visit, which was unusual and concerning to her.
o The officer advised Dana to contact the utility office to have the water tested by a qualified entity.
2. HVAC and Ductwork Concerns:
o Dana pointed out an odd smell of heat emanating from the air ducts, which worsened when the air conditioning was on.
o She highlighted the unusual duct structure—two black, squished pipes instead of proper metal ducts—raising concerns about fire safety.
o She explained that her grandmother's house burned down, making her highly sensitive to any potential fire hazards.
3. Safety and Maintenance Issues:
o Dana showed the officer missing components and improper repairs, including PVC pipes that leaked and repairs done without replacing faulty parts.
o She noted the significant sediment buildup in the water heater, which maintenance personnel were unable to flush properly due to the severity of the clog.
4. Concerns with Property Management:
o Dana expressed distrust toward Connor Properties due to rushed visits, maintenance staff not presenting licenses, and uncoordinated responses.
o She explained that the management company appeared to be trying to push her out and referenced documentation of their attempts to evict her.
5. Air and Water Quality Testing:
o The officer acknowledged that the police department does not have the means to test air or water quality.
o Dana mentioned her ongoing attempts to have public health authorities assist but noted they no longer perform residential testing.
6. Documentation and FOIA Requests:
o Dana requested access to records and discussed issues involving past police reports and interactions during her divorce.
o The officer advised her to submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to obtain records related to any prior incidents.
7. Emotional Impact:
o Dana expressed feeling isolated and frustrated by the lack of resolution and the difficulty of continually documenting and advocating for herself.
o Despite this, she thanked the officers for their time and assistance, even though the situation remained unresolved.
Summary:
Dana is documenting serious concerns about the safety and quality of her home, including unusual water reactions, improper HVAC ductwork, and sediment buildup in the water heater. She suspects negligence or misconduct by her landlord and has taken steps to involve attorneys, public health, and now the police. The police advised that the issues are civil matters and provided guidance on obtaining records through FOIA and seeking professional inspections. However, Dana remains concerned for her and her family’s safety.
