Latest News
April 13, 2026
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Young Man Dies After Being Struck by Metra Train in Highwood: A man in his twenties died in the hospital after being hit by a Metra train near the Highwood station early Thursday morning, causing all Union Pacific North line train traffic to be halted during the emergency response. The incident happened around 1:40 a.m. in the area of Green Bay Road and Bloom Street. The victim, whose residence remains unknown, was transported in critical condition to Endeavor Health Evanston Hospital but later died. No other injuries were reported on the train. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Apr 13)
April 10, 2026
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Highwood Man Identified After Fatal Police Shooting Involving Replica Gun: The Lake County Coroner's Office has identified Richard Garfinkle, 58, as the man killed by police in Highwood. Authorities responded to a psychiatric emergency on Morgan Place after reports of an intoxicated and suicidal individual. Officers say Garfinkle pointed a replica gun at police before being shot multiple times. The incident remains under investigation by the Lake County Major Crime Task Force. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Apr 10)
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Man Fatally Shot by Officer After Pointing Replica Gun During Highwood Incident: Police responded to a home on Morgan Place in Highwood after receiving a report of a suicidal and intoxicated man. The individual had barricaded himself in a bathroom and, upon exiting, allegedly pointed a replica firearm at officers. An officer subsequently shot the man, resulting in his death. Authorities are investigating the incident, which drew a substantial emergency presence to the neighborhood Thursday afternoon. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Apr 10)
April 9, 2026
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Police in Highwood Fatally Shoot Armed Man Responding to Mental Health Crisis Call: A man in his 50s was shot and killed by police Thursday afternoon in Highwood after officers responded to a call regarding a person threatening self-harm on Morgan Place. Emergency crews, including Highwood police and Highland Park Fire Department, arrived at the scene around 4:47 p.m. Officials stated the man approached officers with a weapon before being shot. The Lake County Major Crime Task Force is investigating the police-involved shooting. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Apr 9)
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Pedestrian Severely Injured After Being Hit by Metra Train in Highwood: A male pedestrian was critically injured after being struck by an outbound Metra train early Thursday near the Highwood station on Green Bay Road. Emergency responders transported the unidentified victim to Endeavor Health Evanston Hospital, where he was reported in life-threatening condition. The incident led to the suspension of train service on the Union Pacific North line while authorities conducted their investigation. No passengers or staff were injured on the train during the event. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Apr 9)
March 2, 2026
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Lake County Maintenance Worker Arrested Abroad After Hidden Camera School Case: A maintenance worker formerly from Highwood was apprehended overseas after being sought for six years on charges of placing a hidden recording device in a Northfield school bathroom. Authorities allege the incident occurred at Sunset Ridge School, where a camera was found in a staff restroom in early 2020. After an investigation, David Garcia-Espinal was identified as the suspect, leading to a felony warrant. Police conducted additional searches at School District 29 facilities but found no further devices. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Mar 2)
January 23, 2026
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Highwood Man Charged After Child Exploitation Probe in Lake County: An 18-year-old Highwood resident was taken into custody by Lake County Sheriff's Office following an investigation into child exploitation. Authorities executed a search warrant at a home on Sheridan Avenue, where detectives reportedly discovered sexually explicit material involving minors. The investigation began after social media activity from the area was flagged by a provider. The coordinated efforts involved local and state law enforcement agencies, leading to the suspect's arrest. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 23)
January 20, 2026
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Highwood Man Sentenced to Eight Years for Armed Robbery at Mundelein Store: A Highwood resident has been sentenced to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to charges connected to a violent robbery at a Speedway gas station in Mundelein. Authorities said Lexarez L. Beles, 44, entered the store armed with a machete, restrained the clerk, and assaulted him before stealing from the business. The incident occurred in the early morning hours of January 11, 2025, at the location on Townline Road. Police responded promptly, leading to Beles’ arrest and subsequent conviction. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 20)
December 27, 2025
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Highwood Man Charged After Three-Minute Biting Incident Involving Young Daughter: A 29-year-old Highwood resident has been charged with two counts of domestic battery following reports he held down and bit his young daughter multiple times. Officers responded to the 300 block of Washington Avenue in Highwood on November 17 after receiving information about the alleged attack. The child, under 10 years old, sustained visible bruising on her neck, face, and wrist according to police accounts. The father was taken into custody and the case is pending court proceedings. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 27)