Latest News
January 1, 2026
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Cary House Fire Displaces Family and Leaves Dog Missing: A significant house fire on the 1300 block of Mulberry Lane in Cary resulted in the complete destruction of the residence and its contents. Multiple fire departments responded to the scene, battling the blaze for several hours on Wednesday afternoon. Although firefighters arrived within minutes, they were unable to save the home or rescue the family's missing dog. The incident has left the affected family without a home as they search for their pet. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 1)
December 25, 2025
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Young Boy Returns to School After Lawn Mower Accident Near Cary: Cohen Liggett, age 4, was severely injured in a lawn mower accident on August 30, 2025, in unincorporated Cary, Illinois. Emergency responders from the Cary Fire Protection District and Lake County Sheriff's Office arrived quickly following a traumatic injury report. Cohen underwent a rotationplasty procedure and has since made significant progress, returning to school with a prosthetic leg. His recovery marks a notable milestone for his family and community. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 25)
December 21, 2025
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McHenry County Fire Departments Join Operation North Pole Event for Children: Several fire departments from McHenry County participated in the Operation North Pole Christmas train event, aimed at providing support and joy to children facing serious or terminal illnesses and their families. The event marked the return of the holiday train after a five-year pause, offering gifts to the children and collecting food donations for local pantries. Residents in the Chicago area were encouraged to show support as families took part in this annual trip. The initiative sought to uplift local families during the holiday season. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 21)
December 18, 2025
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Five Hospitalized After Multi-Vehicle Crash on Route 31 Near Crystal Lake: A four-vehicle accident on Route 31 near Half Mile Road in unincorporated Crystal Lake resulted in one car overturning and five individuals being taken to the hospital early Monday morning. The incident occurred near TC Industries, prompting responses from the Crystal Lake Fire Rescue Department and McHenry County Sheriff’s Office. The driver allegedly responsible for the crash fled the scene but was apprehended and now faces charges. Authorities confirmed that no one remained trapped in the overturned vehicle upon arrival. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 18)
December 15, 2025
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Five Hospitalized After Four-Vehicle Crash Closes Route 31 Near Crystal Lake: A four-vehicle collision occurred on Route 31 near Half Mile Road in unincorporated Crystal Lake early Monday, resulting in one car overturning and significant damage. Emergency responders from Crystal Lake Fire Rescue and the McHenry County Sheriff's Office arrived shortly after 6:15 a.m. and confirmed five people required hospitalization due to the crash. Route 31 remained closed for several hours as crews managed the scene and cleared debris. No one was found inside the overturned vehicle when first responders arrived. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 15)
December 10, 2025
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Live Power Lines Spark House Fire in Algonquin, Multiple Departments Respond: Early Wednesday morning, broken electrical lines fell across two yards, a house, and a car on the 800 block of Oceola Drive in Algonquin, setting a home ablaze. Firefighters from several departments responded after numerous 911 calls reported both a yard and a residence on fire. The situation required an upgraded response due to the live wires arcing over several properties. ComEd crews were called in to handle the hazardous power lines and ensure neighborhood safety. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 10)
December 9, 2025
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Gas Station Canopy Collapses After Snowfall in Cary, No Injuries Reported: A canopy at the Marathon gas station on East Main Street in Cary collapsed following heavy snowfall over the weekend. Local fire and police departments responded to the incident, which did not result in any injuries. The canopy had previously been closed due to structural concerns, and after the collapse, both fuel dispensing areas remain shut as demolition and insurance coordination are underway. The convenience store at the location continues operating during these repairs. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 9)
December 5, 2025
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Bus Driver Cited After School Bus Crash Near McHenry Leaves Child Injured: A school bus carrying students from McHenry School Districts 15 and 156 crashed into a utility pole Monday afternoon at Colby Point Road and South Justen Road in unincorporated McHenry. The collision resulted in live power lines coming down and left the students and driver temporarily trapped on the bus. Emergency crews responded shortly after 4:30 p.m., and one young child sustained minor injuries in the incident. The sheriff's office has issued a citation to the bus driver for this crash. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 5)
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Driver Flees Crash Site After Truck and Car Hauler Overturn Near Algonquin: A pickup truck hauling a trailer loaded with two vehicles overturned near Cary-Algonquin Road and Allen Road in unincorporated Algonquin during the early morning of November 27. Emergency responders from the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District and the McHenry County Sheriff's Office arrived shortly after 1:30 a.m. and discovered no one inside the truck. Authorities report the driver had left the scene on foot, while a passenger later returned as crews responded. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 5)
December 1, 2025
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Additional Snowfall Forecasted in Chicagoland Following Heavy Weekend Snowstorm: Chicagoland residents are preparing for more snowfall on Monday, just after a powerful snowstorm left nearly a foot of accumulation in parts of Lake and McHenry counties over the post-Thanksgiving weekend. The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory covering several counties in the area, warning that snow will move in during the afternoon and persist into the night. Commuters are advised to expect hazardous travel conditions during the evening rush hour due to slippery roads and reduced visibility. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 1)
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Child Injured in School Bus Crash Involving Downed Power Lines Near McHenry: A school bus accident occurred Monday afternoon near Colby Point Road and South Justen Road in unincorporated McHenry, Lake County. The crash caused the bus to strike a utility pole, bringing down power lines and leaving the driver and two student passengers temporarily trapped. Emergency crews from the Nunda Rural Fire Protection District responded and safely removed those involved. One young child sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 1)
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No Injuries After Cary Police Squad Car Collides With Tow Truck on Route 14: A Cary police officer and a tow truck driver were unharmed following a collision on Route 14 near East Main Street in Cary. The incident occurred when the officer, responding to support another traffic stop but not running lights or siren, entered the intersection and his squad car struck the tow truck. Both vehicles sustained minor damage and were driven from the scene. The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office investigated and issued no citations. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 1)
November 29, 2025
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Lake and McHenry Counties Brace for Continued Heavy Snowfall After Storm: Lake and McHenry counties have experienced significant snowfall, with totals reaching up to 7 inches in some communities by early Saturday evening, according to the National Weather Service. Areas like McHenry, Woodstock, Wadsworth, and Antioch reported from 5 to 7 inches, while O'Hare International Airport recorded 3 inches. Over 1,100 flights were canceled at O'Hare, and hazardous road conditions have been reported as snow is expected to continue into Sunday morning. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 29)
November 25, 2025
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Man Charged After Road Rage Shooting and Search in Cary: Christopher Bolton, 24, of Streamwood, faces felony charges after allegedly firing multiple shots during a road rage incident in Cary on March 23, 2024. The altercation, which occurred near Cary-Algonquin Road and Harper Avenue, resulted in a crash and led to an extensive police search. Bolton is charged with aggravated assault and reckless discharge of a firearm related to the event. The arrest followed an investigation by the Cary Police Department. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 25)
November 17, 2025
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Fire Crews Contain Marshland Blaze Near Cary, Preventing Residential Damage: Firefighters responded to a marshland fire near Cary on Saturday afternoon after reports of smoke in the area of West Rawson Bridge Road and Crystal Lake Road. Approximately four acres of brush and cattails burned, but firefighters quickly intervened to stop the flames from reaching nearby homes. The Cary Fire Protection District arrived around 3 p.m. and successfully contained the blaze before it could threaten residential properties. No injuries or property damage were reported. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 16)
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McHenry County to Appeal FEMA Denial of Disaster Relief After August Storms: McHenry County is collaborating with state and federal emergency officials to challenge FEMA's decision to deny disaster relief following severe storms in August. The storms, which struck between August 16 and 19, brought hail, heavy rain, and strong winds, resulting in widespread property damage, extended power outages, and disruptions to essential services, particularly in the Cary area. The appeal is focused on securing federal assistance for impacted communities in the county. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 1)
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Brush Fire Near McHenry Burns 15 Acres, Draws Large Multi-Agency Response: A wind-driven brush fire consumed roughly 15 acres on South Crystal Lake Road near McHenry on Sunday afternoon, prompting a response from over a dozen fire departments across Lake and McHenry counties. Firefighters arrived within minutes to find the blaze actively spreading behind a residence and barn, accelerated by strong west winds. The Mutual Aid Box Alarm System was activated to bolster resources needed for containment. The incident highlighted the challenges of coordinating wildfire responses in the area. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 17)
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Barrington Hills Barn Destroyed in Multi-Agency Fire Response on West Dundee Road: A large multi-story barn on the 100 block of West Dundee Road in Barrington Hills was completely destroyed by fire on Saturday afternoon. The blaze drew firefighters from several departments, who arrived within minutes to find the structure already fully involved. The barn, confirmed unoccupied at the time, was declared a total loss. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, and no injuries have been reported. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 17)
November 16, 2025
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Resident Injured in Johnsburg House Fire That Caused Widespread Damage: A house fire began at the back of a residence in the 4000 block of North Hillcrest Place in Johnsburg early Sunday, resulting in significant damage to the structure. Firefighters from the McHenry Township Fire Protection District responded just before 8 a.m. and managed to contain the blaze within 40 minutes. One resident sustained injuries, and all occupants safely exited the home. The incident left the residents displaced due to the extent of the fire damage. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 16)
October 29, 2025
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Cary resident receives 13-year sentence for drug and weapons offenses in McHenry: A 25-year-old Cary man was sentenced to 13 years in prison after being found with a converted AR-15 rifle, body armor, and significant quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, and LSD in McHenry County. The arrest followed charges including armed violence, drug delivery, and illegal firearm and ammo, (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Sep 27)
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Driver Cited After SUV Crashes Into Lakemoor Building and Sparks Fire: An 83-year-old man was cited by Lakemoor police after his SUV crashed into an industrial building and struck a gas meter at 431 Scotland Road on Tuesday afternoon. The impact caused both the building and the vehicle to catch fire, prompting a response from the McHenry Township Fire Protection District and nearby departments. Authorities report that the driver attributed the crash to mechanical failure. Firefighters arrived within minutes and quickly contained the situation. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 24)
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Driver hospitalized after SUV and Metra train collide in Fox River Grove: A collision between an SUV and a Metra train occurred Monday morning at the intersection of Northwest Highway and Algonquin Road in Fox River Grove. Emergency responders transported the driver to Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital. The incident happened at a rail crossing known for a major accident in (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 13)
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Bicyclist Injured in Hit-and-Run Crash at Route 176 and Valley View Road in Prairie G: A 53-year-old cyclist sustained serious injuries after being struck by a white SUV that ran a red light and left the scene at the intersection of Route 176 and Valley View Road in Prairie Grove. Emergency responders transported the victim to a hospital. Police are investigating the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 20)
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SUV Crash in Lakemoor Sparks Fire at Industrial Building; No Serious Injuries Report: Emergency crews responded to 431 Scotland Road in Lakemoor after an SUV struck a gas meter and crashed into an industrial building, igniting both the vehicle and the structure. The incident, which occurred Tuesday afternoon, prompted a multi-department fire response. The driver and building workers, (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 22)
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Elderly Woman Injured in Fox River Grove Metra Train and SUV Collision: An elderly woman sustained minor injuries after her SUV was struck by a Metra train at the intersection of Northwest Highway and Algonquin Road in Fox River Grove. The incident, which occurred Monday morning, led to significant delays for Metra trains. The driver was taken to the hospital and no one (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 13)
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Mexican national alleges punches pregnant woman in Cary while being wanted for…: Erick Angeles-Ayala, 32, who is homeless, (inset) was arrested last Wednesday evening after allegedly punching a pregnant woman in the face near the Jewel-Osco in Cary and then running from officers. | Background Photo: Google Street View; Inset: Provided A Mexican national who allegedly punched a pregnant woman in the face while being wanted on federal charges for illegally being in the United States was captured by police in Cary. The Cary Police Department arrested Erick Angeles-Ayala, 32, who is homeless, around 8:10 p.m. last Wednesday at the Jewel-Osco, 696 West Northwest Highway in Cary. An arrest report said he was charged with three counts of felony resisting a peace officer causing injury, misdemeanor obstructing identification and two counts of misdemeanor domestic battery. A criminal complaint alleges Angeles-Ayala caused bodily harm to a family or household member by punching the woman in the face with a closed fist after grabbing her by the shirt. She suffered an internal lip laceration and a swollen cheekbone. Court documents said the attack came following a heated verbal argument and the victim was four months pregnant, which Angeles-Ayala knew about. The complaint said Angeles-Ayala ran away from responding officers who were trying to arrest him. Officers had to tackle and struggle with Angeles-Ayala on the ground to place him into custody. Three officers suffered abrasions to their knees and elbows during the arrest. The complaint said Angeles-Ayala provided the officers with a fake name before he was arrested. In addition to the charges, Angeles-Ayala also had two warrants out of McHenry County for failing to appear in court. Angeles-Ayala additionally had an active failure to appear warrant for a federal criminal case. Angeles-Ayala was processed and transported to the McHenry County Jail where he remains held as of Thursday. McHenry County Judge Tiffany Davis revoked his pre-trial release in his pending cases and granted a petition to detain him in his newest case. A police report said Angeles-Ayala was also arrested by the Cary Police Department in February 2024 after he was stopped near Route 14 and Three Oaks Road. At that time, Angeles-Ayala was charged with aggravated driving under the influence and issued traffic citations. The Cary Police Department then released Angeles-Ayala to ICE for a criminal immigration warrant, the report said. Court records show the active federal case against Angeles-Ayala was first filed in January 2024 for the charge of re-entry of deported aliens. A criminal complaint said DHS records show Angeles-Ayala is a citizen of Mexico and has no claim to United States citizenship or lawful residence. Angeles-Ayala, who was previously deported from the United States back to Mexico in September 2014, was sentenced to state prison in November 2019 for a drug conviction in McHenry County. He was then deported from the United States back to Mexico in February 2020. ICE officers encountered Angeles-Ayala again in the United States again in February 2023 while he was in custody of the McHenry County Jail in Woodstock, the complaint said. Angeles-Ayala was arrested and taken into federal custody in February 2024. Prosecutors sought to have him detained but a federal judge released him on conditions with a signature bond. Angeles-Ayala pleaded guilty to the charge of reentry by deported aliens in February and a sentencing hearing was scheduled. Prosecutors sought to revoke his release in April, leading to the federal warrant being issued. The U.S. Marshals Service has lodged a detainer with McHenry County Jail for Angeles-Ayala. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Sep 25)
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Man flown to hospital in critical condition after being struck by car while…: Emergency crews respond to a crash involving a car and a bicycle that critically injured the bicyclist on Silver Lake Road south of Crystal Lake Road in unincorporated Cary Tuesday evening. | Photo: CFPD A man was flown to the hospital in critical condition after he was struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle near Cary Tuesday evening, fire officials said. The Cary Fire Protection District and McHenry County Sheriff’s Office responded around 5:45 p.m. Tuesday to the 6500 block of Silver Lake Road in unincorporated Cary for a report of a vehicle crash. Firefighters and paramedics arrived and located an adult male lying in the roadway, according to Cary Fire Protection District Public Information Officer Alex Vucha. The man had been riding his bicycle when he was involved in a collision with a small sedan. The victim had suffered critical injuries and lifesaving measures were initiated at the scene, Vucha said. A LifeNet medical helicopter was requested and landed at the helipad at Mercyhealth Hospital in Crystal Lake. Emergency crews respond to a crash involving a car and a bicycle that critically injured the bicyclist on Silver Lake Road south of Crystal Lake Road in unincorporated Cary Tuesday evening. | Photo: CFPD An ambulance transported him to the helipad and he was transferred to the flight crew. Vucha said the man was then airlifted to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, which is a Level 1 trauma center, for further treatment. The driver of the sedan was not injured in the crash and they declined transport to the hospital. Silver Lake Road was shut down in both directions from Killarney Drive to Walnut Drive to allow emergency personnel to work safely and to accommodate the law enforcement investigation. The roadway was reopened around 10:20 p.m., over four hours after the crash, the sheriff’s office said. The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation and the agency has not released further details on the cause of the crash. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 8)
October 27, 2025
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Fire Displaces Residents and Heavily Damages Home in Lake in the Hills: Early Monday morning, a fire caused extensive damage to a residence on the 800 block of Willow Street in Lake in the Hills, according to fire officials. The Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District arrived within three minutes and found smoke coming from the two-story house. All residents safely evacuated before firefighters extinguished the blaze, which began in an upstairs bathroom. The home was left uninhabitable following the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 27)
October 26, 2025
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Police Identify Suspect After High-Speed Pursuit and Crash in Cary: A man led police on a high-speed chase in Cary, reportedly reaching speeds close to 100 mph before crashing into a tree at the Rawson Bridge Road and Three Oaks Road intersection. Authorities say the suspect, later identified as Jonathan B. Sawyer of Round Lake Beach, fled the scene on foot and was not apprehended that night. Following further investigation, an arrest warrant was issued for Sawyer in connection with the incident. Police continue to search for the suspect. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 26)
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Residents Displaced Following Early Morning Duplex Fire Near Algonquin: A fire caused significant damage to a two-story duplex in the 11000 block of Mohican Drive in unincorporated Algonquin early Sunday morning, displacing the occupants of both units. Multiple fire departments responded around 5:30 a.m. to address the blaze, which involved heavy flames visible from the second floor and the right side of the home. All residents managed to evacuate safely before crews arrived. The cause of the fire and extent of property damage remain under investigation. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 26)
October 16, 2025
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Wauconda House Fire Displaces Residents and Causes Major Damage: A fire on Highland Avenue in Wauconda resulted in approximately $250,000 in damage to a single-story home and left its residents without housing. Firefighters from multiple departments responded quickly and were able to rescue a dog from the property. No injuries to residents were reported. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 16)
October 9, 2025
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Bicyclist Critically Injured in Collision With Car Near Cary: A 69-year-old man was airlifted to the hospital after being struck by a car while riding his bicycle on Silver Lake Road near Killarney Drive in unincorporated Cary. Authorities report the bicyclist entered the roadway and failed to yield, leading to the crash. Emergency services responded Tuesday. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 9)
October 8, 2025
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Brake Failure Leads to Garbage Truck Rollover Near Cary: A garbage truck crashed and rolled down an embankment near Cary Algonquin Road and Klasen Road in unincorporated Cary on September 26. Emergency responders extricated the driver after the vehicle's brakes reportedly failed, resulting in significant damage. The incident was handled by the Cary Fire (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 8)
September 12, 2025
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Daycare in Island Lake Settles Lawsuit After Toddler's 2023 Death: A $1 million settlement has been reached between the family of a toddler who died in April 2023 and Lots of Tots ChildCare in Island Lake. The child was found unresponsive at the facility and later died at a nearby hospital. The lawsuit was filed in McHenry County Circuit Court. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Sep 12)
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Motorcyclist killed in collision with pickup truck in Spring Grove: A man riding a motorcycle died after a pickup truck turned in front of him at the intersection of Sunset Road and East Applewood Lane in Spring Grove. Emergency responders pronounced the rider dead at the scene. The incident occurred Wednesday afternoon and is under investigation by local police. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Sep 12)