Latest News
July 16, 2026
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Canadian Wildfire Smoke Triggers Air Quality Alert Across Northern Illinois: The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has declared a Red Forecast Air Pollution Action Day for the Chicago region, including Lake County and Rockford, as smoke from Canadian wildfires drifts into northern Illinois. Residents are being advised to limit outdoor activities as air quality levels have reached unhealthy levels, particularly in Lake County where readings have surpassed 300. The advisory remains in effect until midnight Thursday and may extend depending on shifting wind patterns. The public is encouraged to monitor current air quality conditions closely. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 16)
July 15, 2026
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Lake County Sheriff’s Deputy Injured in Wauconda Crash Involving Red Light Violation: A Lake County sheriff’s deputy was hospitalized after being trapped in his squad car following a collision at Route 176 and Main Street in Wauconda early Wednesday morning. Authorities report that the incident occurred when a driver ran a red light and struck the deputy's vehicle, resulting in both vehicles sustaining moderate damage and partially blocking traffic. Firefighters extricated the deputy from his car, and he was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Police continue to investigate the circumstances that led to the crash. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 15)
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Investigation Begins After Two Nearby House Fires Cause Damage Near Marengo: Authorities are conducting a multi-agency investigation after two house fires broke out across the street from each other in the 18000 block of Millstream Road near Marengo. Fire crews responded Monday night to significant flames at a single-family home, which resulted in extensive damage, while a second fire started nearby around the same time. All residents evacuated safely before emergency teams arrived. Officials are working to determine the cause of both fires and assess the full extent of the damage. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 15)
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Three Injured and One Trapped in Multi-Vehicle Crash on Route 31 Near McHenry: Emergency crews responded to a three-vehicle collision on Route 31 near Gracy Road in unincorporated McHenry on Wednesday afternoon. The crash resulted in moderate to severe damage to the involved vehicles, with one work truck ending up in a ditch and its driver requiring extrication by firefighters. Three individuals were transported to area hospitals as a result of the incident, which temporarily closed the roadway. The response involved both the Nunda and Cary Fire Protection Districts. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 15)
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Arlington Heights Man Arrested After Alleged Shooting at Buffalo Grove Complex: A 38-year-old Arlington Heights resident was arrested at The Arbors of Buffalo Grove on Oak Creek Drive following a domestic incident on Saturday morning. Police allege the man fired a gun toward another individual in the condominium's parking lot, resulting in the victim's car being struck by gunfire, though no injuries were reported. The suspect faces charges including aggravated discharge of a firearm, aggravated domestic battery, and unlawful possession of a firearm. An investigation by Buffalo Grove police led to his apprehension. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 15)
July 14, 2026
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Coroner Identifies Teen Who Drowned in Chain O' Lakes in Lake County: A 15-year-old boy from Round Lake, identified as Brian Monzanga, drowned while swimming in Myers Bay on the Chain O' Lakes in Lake County. Emergency crews from the Fox Lake Fire Protection District and Lake County Sheriff's Office conducted a search after receiving a report that the teen entered the water from a boat and did not resurface. An autopsy confirmed drowning as the cause of death. Authorities completed recovery efforts Monday evening, bringing closure to the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 14)
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Teen Drowns While Swimming in Chain O'Lakes Near Fox Lake Village: Authorities in Lake County launched a coordinated search after a 15-year-old boy went missing while swimming in the Chain O'Lakes near the Village of Fox Lake. Rescue teams, including divers and boats from multiple local agencies, responded to Myers Bay at Pistakee Lake on Monday evening. The teen, who had jumped into the water and failed to reappear, was located deceased hours later. The incident prompted an extensive response from law enforcement and fire departments in the area. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 14)
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Arrest Made in Nearly 25-Year-Old Round Lake Beach Infant Death Case: A Lake Villa woman has been arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter in a cold case dating back almost 25 years. Authorities allege that in August 2001, the woman disposed of her newborn in a dumpster behind a grocery store in Round Lake Beach. The incident was first investigated after police discovered the deceased infant in a bag behind the store. The recent arrest marks a significant development in a case that previously saw another woman charged. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 14)
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Two Teens Hospitalized After Rescue at Illinois Beach State Park Near Zion: Two teenage boys were taken to a hospital after being rescued by friends and bystanders from Lake Michigan at Illinois Beach State Park near Zion on Monday evening. Emergency crews from the Beach Park Fire Department and Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of swimmers in distress about 100 yards from shore. The teens had already been brought to shore by the time responders arrived. No additional rescues were necessary following the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 14)
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Cary Veterinarian Found Guilty of Battery for Inappropriate Workplace Conduct: A jury in Lake County has found Duane Kimmey, a 65-year-old veterinarian from Cary, guilty of misdemeanor battery for touching a female employee’s buttocks on separate occasions at The Animal Doctor veterinary office. The offenses occurred in May and June 2023 while Kimmey was employed as an associate veterinarian and supervisor at the practice. The trial followed nearly three years of legal proceedings. Kimmey faces consequences after being convicted of making unwanted physical contact while on the job. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 14)
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Suspect Apprehended Following Armed Robbery and Carjacking in Waukegan: Waukegan police arrested a suspect accused of robbing a 61-year-old woman of cash and carjacking her vehicle while displaying a gun-like object near 8th Street and Jackson Street. The incident occurred in broad daylight when the victim was approached after leaving a local business. Authorities responded quickly after a regional alert described the vehicle and the suspect, leading to an arrest. The case remains under investigation by local officials. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 14)
July 13, 2026
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Round Lake Beach Resident Dies After Boating Accident Near Hammond Marina: A 66-year-old man from Round Lake Beach died after a boat carrying six people struck a break wall at Hammond Marina in Lake County, Indiana, late Saturday night. Authorities responded quickly after the collision around 11:34 p.m., where the man was found unresponsive after being thrown onto the break wall. Emergency personnel attempted resuscitation before transporting him to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The incident is under investigation by local and state agencies. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 13)
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Causes of Death Released for Three Family Members Found in Buffalo Grove Home: The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office has determined the causes of death for an elderly Buffalo Grove couple and their adult son, who died in June after police conducted a well-being check at their Timber Hill Road residence. Police discovered the man, in his 60s, deceased, and the couple, both in their 80s, unresponsive. The couple later died at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights. Authorities have ruled the deaths as coincidental and not the result of foul play. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 13)
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Search Ongoing for Missing Teen Swimmer in Chain O' Lakes Near Fox Lake: Emergency crews responded to Myers Bay on the Chain O' Lakes near the Village of Fox Lake on Monday evening after a 15-year-old boy went missing while swimming. Authorities report that the teen jumped from a boat and did not resurface, prompting a large-scale response from the Fox Lake Fire Protection District and the Lake County Sheriff's Office. The search for the missing swimmer remains active as officials coordinate sustained rescue efforts in the area. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 13)
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Three Taken Into Custody After Knife Incident at Sequoit Creek Park in Antioch: Authorities in Antioch arrested three individuals after a disturbance involving knives at Sequoit Creek Park on Saturday evening. Police responded to reports that several suspects, some armed with knives, had chased and threatened multiple victims in the park. Surveillance cameras helped officers identify and locate the suspects, who were detained without further incident. The investigation is ongoing as police gather more details from witnesses. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 13)
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Beach Park Resident Charged With Attempted Murder Following Round Lake Assault: A 24-year-old man from Beach Park faces attempted murder and other felony charges after a woman suffered serious injuries in a May 28 attack on West Forest Avenue in Round Lake. The victim was found unconscious in a vehicle, displaying severe facial injuries and in need of emergency medical care. She was transported to Advocate Condell Medical Center for treatment. Authorities responded after the suspect called 911 to report finding the woman unresponsive. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 13)
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Lake in the Hills Garage Fire Sends Homeowner to Hospital: A fire broke out in a detached two-car garage on the 500 block of Mohican Trail in Lake in the Hills on Sunday afternoon, damaging the structure and a motorcycle inside. Fire crews from the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District responded quickly, containing the blaze within approximately 25 minutes. The homeowner received on-site care from paramedics and was then transported to a hospital for further evaluation. Officials confirmed the house itself was not affected by the fire. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 13)
July 12, 2026
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Waukegan Scoop Festival Interrupted After Man Shot, Prompting Event Shutdown: A man was shot Saturday evening during the Scoop festival in downtown Waukegan, prompting authorities to immediately shut down the event. The incident occurred near 20 South Genesee Street, where police officers already present at the scene provided first aid before paramedics transported the victim to a hospital. City officials expressed gratitude to emergency responders and condemned the violence, noting it does not represent the festival as a whole. The victim's condition has not been publicly disclosed. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 12)
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Woodstock Man Sentenced to Probation After Attempting to Lure Child Outside Bar: A 57-year-old Woodstock man received probation after admitting to attempting to lure a girl under 15 years old as she passed him on her bicycle near Benton and Judd Streets on August 16, 2025. The incident occurred outside Liquid Blues bar and led to charges including grooming, disorderly conduct, and indecent solicitation. The man pleaded guilty this week as court documents detailed his actions toward the child. He was sentenced in McHenry County Circuit Court. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 12)
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Man Shot During Scoop Festival in Downtown Waukegan, Event Halted: A man was wounded by gunfire during the Scoop event in downtown Waukegan on Saturday evening, prompting authorities to shut down the car festival. The incident took place near 20 South Genesee Street around 6:50 p.m., where police were already present to provide immediate assistance. The victim, who was struck in the hip, was transported to Advocate Condell Medical Center, and his condition has not been disclosed. The shooting left visible signs at the scene, and Waukegan police managed ongoing crowd and traffic control. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 12)
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Lindenhurst Home Severely Damaged in Fourth of July Fire; Details Withheld: A residential property in the 300 block of Cross Creek Lane in Lindenhurst sustained significant damage from a fire on the evening of July 4. Emergency crews from multiple agencies, including the Lake Villa Fire Protection District and Lindenhurst Police Department, responded to the incident. Despite efforts to address the blaze, the home reportedly became uninhabitable. Authorities have not released further details regarding the cause or circumstances of the fire at this time. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 12)
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Motorcycle Crash Near Woodstock Sends Rider to Hospital With Serious Injuries: A man suffered severe injuries after losing control of his motorcycle in a curve on Lucas Road, east of Doty Road, near Woodstock on Sunday afternoon. The incident drew a response from the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District and McHenry County Sheriff's Office, who found the rider in a ditch near the crash scene. Emergency crews provided initial medical care before the man was flown to the hospital for further treatment. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the crash. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 12)
July 11, 2026
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Wadsworth House Destroyed by Fire; Residents Unharmed in Overnight Blaze: A house fire on North Green Bay Road in Wadsworth caused extensive damage and resulted in a partial building collapse Friday night. Firefighters from multiple departments responded to the scene at approximately 10:20 p.m., finding the two-story home already engulfed in flames. All residents had exited the building before emergency crews arrived, and no injuries were reported. The response included crews from Winthrop Harbor and surrounding areas, who worked for several hours to extinguish the fire. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 11)
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Mundelein Police Officer Paul Viduya Jr. Honored After Fatal Motorcycle Crash: A funeral mass and public visitation were held this week for Paul Viduya Jr., a 28-year-old Mundelein police officer, following his death in a motorcycle crash in McHenry on June 28. Viduya was discovered at Charles J. Miller Parkway and McHenry Avenue after a single-vehicle accident claimed his life. Colleagues and community members recalled his strong commitment to public service. He was remembered by family, friends, and the Mundelein Police Department as a dedicated officer. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 11)
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Driver Arrested After Reckless Incident at Waukegan Scoop Event: A woman was taken into custody after reportedly driving recklessly through a closed-off area during the Scoop the Loop event in Waukegan, nearly striking bystanders and police officers. The incident began when a Lake County deputy observed her driving on the wrong side of Washington Street and attempting to evade police. Authorities said her actions included colliding with several vehicles while fleeing. She was ultimately apprehended without further injuries reported. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 11)
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Crystal Lake Man Arrested on Domestic Battery Charges at Lakeside Festival: A 58-year-old Crystal Lake resident, Thomas D. Craft, was arrested on domestic battery charges following an incident at the Lakeside Festival on Sunday evening. Authorities allege Craft pulled a woman's hair and struck her in the face, resulting in an injury to her lip. The charges include domestic battery causing bodily harm, domestic battery physical contact, and obstructing identification. The incident took place at The Dole during the festival's Sunday schedule. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 11)
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Woman Arrested in Round Lake Beach After Fleeing State Troopers on I-94: A 23-year-old Round Lake Beach woman was arrested after allegedly fleeing Illinois State Police in a Chevrolet Camaro on I-94 in Chicago during the evening of July 4. Authorities tracked her to a parking lot in Round Lake Beach about an hour later. She faces multiple charges in Cook County, including aggravated fleeing, reckless driving, and other traffic violations. The arrest followed a pursuit that began with observed reckless driving on the interstate. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 11)
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Cary Police Officer Arrested in Florida After Assault on Woman at Sarasota Bar: A Cary, Illinois police officer, Jeremy T. Dutton of Woodstock, was arrested in Sarasota, Florida, after authorities allege he attacked a woman in a bar parking lot. The incident, which took place early on March 1 at Gateway Live, resulted in the victim being hospitalized after reportedly being thrown to the ground and kicked. Dutton has since resigned from the Cary Police Department. Local law enforcement responded promptly, and the case is under investigation. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 11)
July 10, 2026
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Man Accused in Fatal Winthrop Harbor Hit-and-Run Released Pending Trial: A 35-year-old man from Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, was released from custody in Illinois pending trial after being extradited from Colorado for charges related to a February fatal hit-and-run in Winthrop Harbor. The incident resulted in the death of Shanna White, a 50-year-old woman from Waukegan, who was struck while walking on Sheridan Road. The accused faces felony charges for failing to report the crash and for leaving the scene. The case has prompted strong reactions from the victim’s family. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 10)
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Woodstock Residents Evacuated After Construction Crew Hits Gas Main: Emergency personnel responded to the Lennar at Riverwoods development in Woodstock on Friday after a construction crew struck a high-pressure natural gas main near Daybreak Ridge and Riverwoods Drive. The incident prompted the evacuation of residents within about one block of the intersection as a precaution. Firefighters were unable to contain the leak due to extensive damage and called in Nicor Gas for mitigation. There have been no reported injuries, and the situation remains under control. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 10)
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Grayslake Man Receives Life Sentence for Fatal Stabbing in Round Lake Beach: A Grayslake resident, Jesus I. Vargas, was sentenced to life in prison for first-degree murder after being found guilty of fatally stabbing a victim over 40 times during an unprovoked 2022 attack in Round Lake Beach. The sentencing followed a March jury trial where prosecutors presented evidence from law enforcement, medical personnel, and expert witnesses. Vargas was ordered to serve a natural life term in the Illinois Department of Corrections. The case stemmed from the fatal incident on Apache Trail. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 10)
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Work Van Fire Closes Part of Route 31 for Over Six Hours in Crystal Lake: A work van fire in Crystal Lake resulted in the complete destruction of the vehicle and the rupture of its gas tank, causing a gasoline spill on the southbound off-ramp from Route 31 to Route 14 on Tuesday afternoon. Fire and police departments responded to the blaze around 2:56 p.m., leading to a hazardous materials situation. The incident forced authorities to close the affected portion of Route 31 for more than six hours. No additional injuries or incidents were reported. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 10)
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Police Search for Missing 20-Year-Old from Huntley Last Seen in Crystal Lake: Authorities are asking for the public’s assistance in finding Sean Giebelhausen, a 20-year-old Huntley resident who has gone missing. Police reported he was last seen on Wednesday evening in Crystal Lake and may be accompanied by a woman known as Pierce, who was driving a Volkswagen Beetle. The Huntley Police Department has provided descriptions and encouraged anyone with information to come forward. Details regarding his well-being or previous incidents have not been disclosed. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 10)
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Marengo Fire Renders Home Uninhabitable, Displacing Resident: A house in Marengo suffered significant fire damage on Friday morning, rendering it uninhabitable and leaving its resident without a home. The incident occurred on the 1100 block of North Hale Street, prompting the response of multiple fire departments after smoke was reported in the area. Firefighters found moderate smoke and ultimately located the fire in the attic. While the blaze was quickly extinguished, the damage to the structure was extensive. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 10)
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Semi-Truck Overturns, Spilling Gravel and Diesel at Marengo Roundabout: Early Friday morning, emergency crews responded to a rollover involving a semi-truck hauling gravel at the intersection of Route 20 and Marengo Road near unincorporated Marengo. The truck spilled gravel and diesel fuel, leading to a partial closure of the roundabout. The driver managed to exit the vehicle without assistance and declined hospital transport after being assessed by paramedics. Local fire departments and law enforcement managed site safety and cleanup. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 10)
July 9, 2026
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Man Charged After Fatal Shooting in Mundelein Apartment, One Dead and One Injured: A fatal shooting occurred Tuesday morning at the Diamond Lane Apartments in Mundelein when a mother and her boyfriend returned home to find the daughter’s boyfriend armed with a gun. The suspect, identified as Deandre Y. Harris, 21, allegedly shot and killed the mother's boyfriend and seriously wounded the woman. Authorities have charged Harris with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of aggravated battery by discharge of a firearm. Police from multiple agencies responded to secure the scene. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 9)
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Elgin Man Sentenced to 14 Years for Drug-Induced Homicide in McHenry County: An Elgin resident, Jarrail Ford-Gresham, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison after pleading guilty to delivering fentanyl-laced cocaine that led to the overdose deaths of two individuals in Marengo, McHenry County. The incident occurred in December 2023 and prompted an investigation by local police. Ford-Gresham was charged with drug-induced homicide, criminal drug conspiracy, and drug delivery. Both victims were found deceased in their residence, with autopsies confirming fentanyl as the cause of death. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 9)
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Employee Dies from Apparent Self-Inflicted Gunshot Outside Lake Zurich Walmart: An employee in his 30s was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound outside the Walmart on South Rand Road in Lake Zurich on Friday evening. Police responded to calls shortly after 8:27 p.m. and confirmed the man was deceased at the scene. No evidence of foul play was found, and the Lake County Coroner’s Office is investigating the circumstances. Authorities have not released further details regarding the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 9)
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Cary Country Club Bookkeeper Charged With Stealing Over $70,000 From Organization: A former bookkeeper for Cary Country Club has been arrested and charged after allegedly misappropriating more than $70,000 from the organization. Authorities allege that the suspect, a local resident, transferred funds from the club’s business account to her own personal account using dozens of transactions. The charges were filed in McHenry County Circuit Court and include a count of theft, a Class 2 felony. The club, established in the 1920s, operates as a public golf course in Cary. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 9)
July 8, 2026
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Uncommon 2.9 Magnitude Earthquake Detected in Lake Michigan Near Lake County: A magnitude 2.9 earthquake occurred in Lake Michigan just east of Lake County, Illinois, on Wednesday afternoon, an event considered very unusual for the area. The United States Geological Survey reported the quake's epicenter about 12 miles east-northeast of Kenilworth and at a shallow depth near Highland Park. Some area residents reported minor rattling but there were no reports of significant damage or injuries. Earthquakes of this type are rare in this region of the Midwest. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 8)
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Mundelein Shooting Leaves One Dead, One Injured; Suspect Charged with Murder: A 21-year-old South Holland man faces murder charges after a deadly shooting Tuesday at Diamond Lane Apartments in Mundelein. Authorities allege the suspect fatally shot his girlfriend’s mother’s boyfriend and wounded her mother during the incident on Deepwoods Drive. The Mundelein Police Department and multiple agencies responded, finding one man deceased and a woman injured. Investigators from the Lake County Major Crime Task Force are handling the case. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 8)
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Coroner Identifies Man Killed in Mundelein Shooting That Also Injured Woman: A 48-year-old man, identified as Herbert Lomax of Mundelein, was fatally shot on Tuesday morning at the Diamond Lane Apartments on Deepwoods Drive. The incident also left the man's girlfriend wounded. Mundelein police and fire personnel, along with the Lake County Major Crime Task Force, responded to reports of gunfire at around 11:40 a.m. An investigation into the shooting is ongoing as authorities examine the circumstances of the attack. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 8)
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Huntley Man Sentenced to 8 Years After Bringing Gun to McHenry County Courthouse: Jake A. Baraglia, 34, of Huntley, received an eight-year prison sentence after attempting to bring a firearm into the Michael J. Sullivan Judicial Center in Woodstock on July 7, 2025. A court security officer discovered the weapon in Baraglia’s bag during screening, which led to a struggle and Baraglia fleeing from officers. He was apprehended and charged with illegal gun possession as a felon. The case concluded with sentencing in McHenry County this week. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 8)
July 7, 2026
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Man Killed, Woman Seriously Injured in Shooting at Mundelein Apartment Complex: A man was killed and a woman sustained serious injuries when a gunman opened fire Tuesday morning at the Diamond Lane Apartments on Deepwoods Drive in Mundelein. Local police, firefighters, and the Countryside Fire Protection District responded shortly after 11:40 a.m. after receiving reports of shots fired and multiple victims. Responding officers secured the area before emergency crews provided assistance. The incident is under investigation by local authorities and the Lake County Major Crime Task Force. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 7)
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Deerfield Woman Dies After Being Struck in Downtown Lake Forest Crosswalk: A 68-year-old woman from Deerfield died after being hit by a vehicle while walking in a crosswalk at Oakwood Avenue and Deerpath Road in downtown Lake Forest. The incident occurred on June 27, and the woman succumbed to her injuries several days later in the hospital. Authorities report the driver, a 75-year-old man from Riverwoods, stated he did not see her while turning his vehicle. Police and fire personnel responded to the scene shortly after the collision. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 7)
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Three Arrested After Fireworks May Have Sparked McHenry House Fire at Party: A house fire on Pyndale Drive in McHenry displaced residents and caused substantial property damage after a reported underage drinking party involving fireworks. Authorities from the McHenry Township Fire Protection District and local police responded late Friday night. Firefighters were able to contain the fire within 15 minutes, finding all occupants had already evacuated. Three individuals were arrested as part of the investigation into the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 7)
July 6, 2026
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Authorities Investigate Hoax Bomb Threat at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee: Police in Gurnee responded to a report of a bomb threat at Six Flags Great America on Friday afternoon, later determined to be a hoax. The call prompted emergency measures, including cooperation between park security and local fire and police departments. A threat management group based in Florida advised that the suspects appeared connected to previous similar false reports in other areas. Authorities continue the investigation to identify those responsible. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 6)
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Lake in the Hills Condo Fire Leads to Animal Rescues and Multiple Uninhabitable Units: A fire at The Oaks of Prairie Point Condominiums in Lake in the Hills on Sunday evening rendered several condo units uninhabitable and prompted emergency response. Firefighters quickly arrived after a fire alarm was triggered, evacuating residents and containing the fire with the building’s automatic sprinkler system. Two pets—a dog and a cat—were rescued during the incident. No injuries were reported among residents or firefighters. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 6)
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Waukegan Man Charged After Firing Shots Behind Local Businesses: A 28-year-old Winthrop Harbor man faces charges after allegedly firing several gunshots in a parking lot behind businesses on North Green Bay Road in Waukegan. The incident occurred around 1:15 a.m. on April 17, when an on-duty detective heard the shots and returned to the scene. Prosecutors allege the man fired the shots to impress friends. No injuries were reported, and police quickly took the suspect into custody during their investigation. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 6)
July 5, 2026
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Lawsuit Seeks $5 Million After Serious Drunk Driving Crash Near Marengo: A man critically injured in a serious two-vehicle crash near Marengo in April 2025 has filed a $5 million lawsuit against a Huntley resident accused of driving under the influence. The crash occurred at the intersection of North Union Road and Route 176 in Seneca Township, leaving both vehicles heavily damaged and one driver trapped. Response teams from multiple departments assisted at the scene. The legal claim was filed in McHenry County Circuit Court in June 2026. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jul 5)