7 SICKENED BY ALLEGED FREE HEROIN

At least seven people fell ill today from apparent drug overdoses near a
West Side public housing project, and police are seeking a man who
allegedly was passing out free heroin samples in the area this morning.

Residents living near the Chicago Housing Authority's ABLA Homes, 1440 W.
Hastings St., called police at 9:30 a.m. to report four people who had
passed out on the sidewalk, authorities said.

Three men and one woman in their late 30s and 40s had just used heroin
given to them free by a man in the area, police spokesman David Bayless said.

Police found at least three additional overdose victims in the area, and
were investigating whether there were any others who became ill after using
the drug, Bayless said.

Several of the victims reportedly were taken to local hospitals, where they
were treated and released. None of the apparent overdoses were believed to
be life-threatening.

Dealers often give away free samples to try to win new customers, police
said. Investigators had identified a person they believe was giving away
the drugs and were searching for him this afternoon.