La Grange Residents Raise Concerns Over Opioid Crisis on Their Street

Neighbors say police initially brushed off issues at a home with alleged drug parties and prostitution.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Residents of La Grange, Illinois have been dealing with a house on Catherine Avenue that has become known for illegal activity such as drug parties and prostitution. Neighbors say they repeatedly contacted the police about the issues, but were initially brushed off until they submitted a petition last summer. Police then raided the home, making several arrests, but the residents say the problems have continued.

Why it matters

This story highlights the challenges communities can face in addressing the opioid crisis and drug-related crime, even in suburban areas. It also raises questions about police responsiveness and communication with residents when dealing with ongoing neighborhood issues.

The details

Neighbors say the home at 812 S. Catherine Ave. used to be occupied by a typical suburban family, but in recent years the wife and kids left and the husband, 52-year-old Paul Nutting, took a downward turn into drug use and criminal activity. Neighbors say they found white powder on bushes and reported it to police, but felt their concerns were initially ignored. It wasn't until a petition with 38 signatures last summer that police started taking more action, installing a camera and building a case that led to a raid in late October. However, the neighbors say the problems have continued, with people returning to the home.

  • In 2023, a neighbor spoke to a police officer about issues at the home, including a man living in a car with skulls inside.
  • Last summer, neighbors submitted a petition with 38 signatures to the police department.
  • In late October, police raided the home, making several arrests.

The players

Paul Nutting

The 52-year-old homeowner who neighbors say went from taking painkillers to resorting to illegal drugs, leading to criminal activity at the home.

Paul Rutz

A neighbor who says he and others have been "watching the opioid crisis happening right in front of us on our block."

Susan Walton

A neighbor who has lived in her house for more than four decades and says she once had much confidence in the police department.

Mark Kuchler

The La Grange Village President who said he would be happy to meet with residents about the issues.

Beth Augustine

A La Grange Village Trustee who acknowledged the residents felt the police response "didn't go as well as it could have."

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What they’re saying

“We've been basically watching the opioid crisis happening right in front of us on our block.”

— Paul Rutz, Neighbor (Patch)

“To me, that was an insult. That officer did not know me. He was an officer who I expected to give me a little respect. The police department says if you see something, say something.”

— Susan Walton, Neighbor (Patch)

“When we called police, we never said, 'Do your job' or 'We're taxpayers.' We said, 'What can we do to help?'”

— Paul Rutz, Neighbor (Patch)

What’s next

The judge in the eviction case is expected to decide on Tuesday whether the current occupants of the home will have to hand over the keys to the new owner who acquired the property through foreclosure.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges communities can face in addressing the opioid crisis and drug-related crime, even in suburban areas, and the importance of effective communication and collaboration between residents and law enforcement to address ongoing neighborhood issues.