Latest News

February 28, 2026

  1. Wauconda Deck Fire Displaces Two Residents After Smoking Materials Ignite Blaze: A fire started by improperly discarded smoking materials on a deck spread to a single-story home in Wauconda, displacing two residents. The incident occurred Thursday evening on the 1100 block of Northshore Drive, prompting a response from local fire and police departments. Firefighters arrived within minutes to find the rear of the home engulfed in flames, and police had already used an extinguisher to limit the damage. The blaze rendered the residents homeless, according to officials. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 28)

February 22, 2026

  1. Mundelein's Royal Cantonese Restaurant Closes After Co-Owner John Lew's Death: Royal Cantonese, a long-standing family restaurant in Mundelein, closed its doors permanently following the sudden death of co-owner John Lew earlier this month. The establishment, founded in 1975 by the Lew family, served the community for nearly 50 years. John Lew is survived by his wife and two sons, and the closure has left many local patrons and residents saddened by the loss. The restaurant's legacy in Mundelein is marked by decades of dedicated service. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 22)

February 9, 2026

  1. Eight-Year-Old Identified After Fatal Child Abuse Incident in Round Lake Beach: Authorities have identified Markell Pierce, an eight-year-old from Round Lake Beach, as the victim in a recent child abuse case that resulted in his death. Emergency responders found the boy unresponsive at a residence on North Cedar Lake Road, where he later passed away at a nearby hospital. The boy's mother and her boyfriend have been charged with first-degree murder and child endangerment following the investigation. The Lake County Coroner announced the victim's identity on Monday. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 9)

February 8, 2026

  1. Two Charged With Murder After 8-Year-Old’s Death in Round Lake Beach Apartment: Authorities in Round Lake Beach have charged a mother and her boyfriend with first-degree murder and child endangerment following the death of an 8-year-old boy. Police responded to a report of an unresponsive child at an apartment on North Cedar Lake Road, where the child was found after alleged prolonged abuse, including malnutrition and being forced into a cold shower. Both adults are accused of actions that led to the child’s death. The investigation is being conducted by local police and the Lake County Major Crime Task Force. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 8)

  2. One Seriously Hurt in Three-Vehicle Collision at Busy Mundelein Intersection: A serious three-car accident occurred Saturday morning at the intersection of Route 45 and Route 176 in Mundelein, leaving one individual trapped and critically injured. Mundelein police and fire crews responded just before 9 a.m., finding two SUVs and a van badly damaged. Firefighters freed the trapped person after removing a vehicle door, and additional emergency crews were dispatched due to the severity of the incident. The investigation into the crash is ongoing. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 8)

February 7, 2026

  1. Grayslake Apartment Fire Contained to Bedroom, No Injuries Reported: Emergency crews responded to a fire in a second-floor bedroom at a three-unit apartment building on Westerfield Place in Grayslake on Friday morning. Authorities quickly evacuated residents, and the fire did not extend beyond the originating bedroom, which was credited in part to a closed door. The incident led to significant traffic delays along Route 120 during the morning commute. No injuries were reported, and the building sustained limited damage. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 7)

January 30, 2026

  1. FedEx and Driver Sued After Fatal Hit-and-Run Involving Mundelein Woman in Gurnee: The estate of Amber Knowles, a 33-year-old Mundelein resident, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit in Lake County following her death in a hit-and-run on April 2, 2025. The lawsuit targets FedEx, Pipes Delivery Corporation, and driver Javier R. Contreras-Bulnes, alleging negligence and distracted driving due to cell phone use. The suit is seeking damages for Knowles’ wrongful death, pain and suffering, and funeral expenses. Legal representation for the estate has been secured by Waukegan-based attorneys. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 30)

January 26, 2026

  1. Employee Hurt in Truck Fire Near Natural Gas Facility in Grayslake: A fire broke out early Monday at the Waste Management Renewable Natural Gas Facility on South Route 83 in Grayslake, where two trucks were engulfed in flames. Fire crews responded just after 5 a.m., facing concerns that the blaze could reach additional vehicles and a nearby natural gas fueling station. Firefighters took extra precautions due to the potential risk of hazardous materials. One employee sustained injuries that are not considered life-threatening. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 26)

January 20, 2026

  1. 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)

January 19, 2026

  1. Two Injured in Major Fire at Downtown McHenry Bakery and Pet Store: A significant fire broke out Sunday afternoon at a commercial property on North Riverside Drive in downtown McHenry, Illinois, impacting both Riverside Bake Shop and Reese’s Barkery & Pawtique. Emergency crews from 30 departments responded to the scene, where two people were reported injured. Firefighters worked extensively to control the blaze, which caused major damage to the businesses. This incident has had a profound effect on the local community. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 19)

January 16, 2026

  1. FedEx Driver Faces Charges After Fatal Hit-and-Run in Gurnee: A FedEx driver has been charged after a Mundelein woman was fatally struck while crossing Delany Road in Gurnee on April 2, 2025. Authorities report the driver left the scene following the collision, which occurred near Sunset Avenue. The victim, 33-year-old Amber Knowles, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police allege the driver was using an electronic device at the time of the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 16)

January 14, 2026

  1. Wind-Driven Snowfall Causes Multiple Crashes in Lake and McHenry Counties: Hazardous road conditions resulted from high winds and snow across Lake and McHenry counties during a recent Wednesday morning commute. Emergency responders were called to numerous vehicle accidents, including several involving school buses. The National Weather Service noted a cold front brought rapidly falling temperatures, contributing to slick roads and low visibility. Drivers experienced significant delays as emergency crews managed the aftermath of these incidents. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 14)

January 8, 2026

  1. Mundelein Man Sentenced to Two Months for Road Rage Stabbing Incident: Edward Nieves Jr., a 59-year-old Mundelein resident, has been sentenced to two months in jail after pleading guilty to aggravated battery charges. The charges stem from an October 29 road rage altercation at Route 176 and Joice Lane, during which a 57-year-old man was stabbed twice in the chest and left critically injured. Mundelein police responded to the scene and identified Nieves as the suspect. The victim survived, but sustained serious injuries from the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 8)

January 7, 2026

  1. Mundelein Man Dies After Attempting to Exit Moving Metra Train in Libertyville: A 30-year-old Mundelein man died after apparently jumping from a moving Metra train Friday evening in Libertyville. Police and emergency crews responded near Winchester Road and Ellis Avenue after the man was found unresponsive along the Milwaukee District North line tracks. Authorities have identified the deceased as Allen Chiquini, with investigators treating the incident as an accidental death. The Metra train involved was operating on its outbound route from Chicago at the time. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 7)

January 6, 2026

  1. Mundelein Man Identified After Fatal Train Accident in Libertyville: Authorities in Libertyville discovered the body of a 30-year-old man from Mundelein on the Milwaukee District North train line Friday evening. Emergency units from Libertyville and Metra responded to the scene near Ellis Avenue and Winchester Road after a report of an unresponsive individual on the tracks. The Lake County Coroner's Office confirmed the victim's identity as Allen Chiquini. Chiquini's family is now mourning his loss following confirmation he was struck by a train. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 6)

January 5, 2026

  1. Mundelein Resident Identified Following Fatal Train Incident in Libertyville: Authorities have identified a 30-year-old man from Mundelein who died after being struck by a train in Libertyville on Friday evening. Emergency crews responded around 5:30 p.m. to the area near Winchester Road and Ellis Avenue after a body was discovered on the Metra Milwaukee District North line tracks by a train crew. The Lake County Coroner confirmed the identity of the victim as Allen Chiquini. The incident is under investigation by local police and Metra officials. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 5)

December 30, 2025

  1. Fire in Gurnee Townhome Leads to Family Displacement and Dog Rescue: Firefighters responded to a chimney fire that spread through a townhome on the 900 block of Clark Drive in Gurnee Monday afternoon. Crews from Gurnee, Grayslake, and Newport Township worked together to control the blaze, successfully rescuing a dog from inside the home. The fire left the residence uninhabitable and displaced the family. Emergency services ensured all occupants were safe before extinguishing the fire. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 30)

December 22, 2025

  1. Evidence Under Review Nearly Two Months After Mundelein Man's Disappearance: Authorities in Lake County are continuing their investigation into the disappearance of Ruslan Furman, a 51-year-old Mundelein resident who went missing in early November under suspicious circumstances. Crime lab experts are analyzing evidence collected during the search, which involved police canine teams and extensive efforts in the area near North Route 60-83 and Diamond Lake. Detectives suspect foul play and have yet to locate Furman. The investigation remains ongoing as officials seek further answers. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 22)

December 16, 2025

  1. Fire at Vernon Hills Senior Living Facility Sends One Resident to Hospital: A fire at the Brookdale Hawthorn Lakes senior living complex in Vernon Hills on Monday night resulted in one resident being transported to the hospital for observation. The blaze, which broke out around 8:40 p.m., filled the building with heavy smoke and left one apartment uninhabitable, though no other units sustained damage. Quick action by on-site staff and the Countryside Fire Protection District limited the extent of damage. The cause of the fire is still being investigated by authorities. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 16)

December 4, 2025

  1. Woman Rescued After Four-Vehicle Rollover Crash Near Mundelein Subdivision: Emergency crews responded to the 25800 block of North Arrowhead Drive in unincorporated Mundelein after a four-vehicle collision left a woman trapped in a rolled-over car. The incident occurred on November 22 and involved a 62-year-old woman whose vehicle struck several parked cars before overturning. Fire and sheriff’s personnel worked to safely extricate her. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 4)

November 28, 2025

  1. Garage Fire in Vernon Hills Contained by Firefighters, Damage Limited to Structure: Fire crews from the Countryside Fire Protection District and neighboring departments responded to a garage fire on Faulkner Place in Vernon Hills on November 22. The blaze was confined to the detached garage, preventing it from spreading to the nearby townhouse. The garage was heavily damaged and declared uninhabitable, but no injuries were reported. Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 28)

November 17, 2025

  1. Authorities Search Diamond Lake in Mundelein for Missing Man Amid Foul Play Concerns: Investigators are searching Diamond Lake and surrounding areas in Mundelein for Ruslan Furman, a 51-year-old resident who has been missing for nearly two weeks. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office announced that deputies and SWAT teams have executed search warrants at multiple locations connected to the case. Officials suspect foul play may have contributed to Furman’s disappearance. The search remains active as authorities work to gather evidence. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 14)

  2. Authorities Search Mundelein Home After 51-Year-Old Man Goes Missing, Foul Play Suspected: Law enforcement officials, including the Lake County Sheriff's Office SWAT team and detectives, executed a search warrant at a residence on North Route 83 in unincorporated Mundelein as part of an ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Ruslan Furman, 51. Furman has not been seen for over a week, prompting authorities to suspect foul play in his case. The search is centered on his last known address. Officials are continuing efforts to find Furman and gather information. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 12)

  3. Two Arrested After Guns and Drugs Seized During Search for Missing Mundelein Man: The Lake County Sheriff's Office arrested two Mundelein men after finding more than a dozen firearms and a significant quantity of drugs during searches linked to the disappearance of a local resident. The SWAT team and detectives executed warrants at two properties in unincorporated Mundelein earlier this week. Authorities are continuing to seek information on the whereabouts of Ruslan Furman, 51, who has been missing for over a week. Investigators suspect foul play may be involved in his case. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 13)

November 15, 2025

  1. Diamond Lake Searches Yield No Results for Missing Mundelein Man Amid Suspicion: Divers and sonar teams searched Diamond Lake in Mundelein as part of an ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Ruslan Furman, 51, who has been missing for nearly two weeks. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office coordinated the search, which produced no evidence over Friday and Saturday. Authorities suspect foul play is involved in Furman's disappearance but have not released additional details. He was last seen near his residence and remains unaccounted for. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 15)

November 11, 2025

  1. Winthrop Harbor Receives 15 Inches of Snow After Intense Lake Effect Storm: Winthrop Harbor in Lake County saw 15 inches of snow after a significant lake effect storm moved through the eastern part of the county from Sunday evening into Monday morning. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning, cautioning residents about hazardous travel conditions and strong wind gusts over 30 mph. Snow accumulations exceeded 10 inches in several areas, with Beach Park roads and grass heavily covered. Weather officials said this level of snowfall has not occurred in years. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 11)

November 10, 2025

  1. Heavy Snowfall in Lake County Leads to Vehicle Accidents and School Closures: Overnight lake effect snow brought nearly a foot of accumulation to parts of Lake County, including areas like Winthrop Harbor. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning, cautioning that hazardous travel conditions would develop. Many roads became slick, resulting in numerous vehicle accidents and the closure of several schools. Officials continue to monitor the situation as cleanup and recovery efforts proceed throughout the affected communities. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 10)

October 30, 2025

  1. Stabbing After Apparent Road Rage Incident in Mundelein Leaves One Injured: Police in Mundelein responded to a stabbing on Route 176 near Joice Lane, believed to have resulted from an alleged road rage incident. Officers found a 57-year-old man suffering from stab wounds to the chest, and he was taken to a hospital for surgery. A suspect fled the scene but was later apprehended and is now in custody. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the altercation. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 30)

October 29, 2025

  1. Woman Hospitalized After Being Hit by Freight Train at Mundelein Metra Station: A 41-year-old woman sustained non-life-threatening injuries after being struck by a Canadian National freight train near the Metra station on North Archer Avenue in Mundelein on Tuesday morning. Police and fire crews responded to the incident, and the woman was found conscious and breathing at the scene. She was taken to the hospital for further care. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 28)

October 24, 2025

  1. Police Respond After False Immigration Operation Report in Mundelein Apartment Complex: A false report of a federal immigration operation at the Embassy Apartments near Orchard Street and Shaddle Avenue in Mundelein led to a significant police presence and a gathering of concerned residents on Wednesday evening. Mundelein police clarified the following day that the incident was not related to immigration enforcement. The rumor, which spread quickly through social media, prompted some in the crowd to confront and follow federal agents in the area. Authorities worked to calm tensions and correct misinformation among the community. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 23)

September 28, 2025

  1. Fire Heavily Damages Home on Dunham Road in Gurnee, Residents Displaced: A house fire on the 600 block of Dunham Road in Gurnee resulted in significant damage Saturday evening, leaving the residence uninhabitable. Emergency crews responded after a passerby reported the fire. The blaze, which began in a second-floor office, was contained by firefighters, but the home was, (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Sep 28)

September 24, 2025

  1. Driver to remain in custody after fatal Waukegan hit-and-run involving Mundelein mom: A Waukegan woman accused of fleeing the scene after fatally striking a Mundelein resident and her unborn child at Grand Avenue and Jackson Street will remain in custody until trial. The incident occurred Sunday night, and authorities responded quickly to the scene. The driver faces a felony charge, (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Sep 24)

  2. Waukegan Woman Charged After Fatal Hit-and-Run Kills Pedestrian and Unborn Child: A Waukegan resident faces a felony charge for leaving the scene of a crash that resulted in the deaths of a Mundelein woman and her unborn child. The incident occurred at Grand Avenue and Jackson Street, where the driver initially stopped nearby but fled as police arrived. Authorities responded to a (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Sep 24)

September 23, 2025

  1. Driver arrested after fatal hit-and-run in Waukegan claims lives of Mundelein woman, : A driver has been taken into custody and charged in connection with a hit-and-run incident that resulted in the deaths of a 36-year-old Mundelein woman and her unborn child. The collision occurred Sunday evening at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Jackson Street in Waukegan. Authorities report a (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Sep 23)

September 22, 2025

  1. Mundelein Resident Identified in Fatal Hit-and-Run Near Waukegan Gas Station: Authorities have identified a 36-year-old Mundelein woman who died after being struck by a vehicle that left the scene near Grand Avenue and Jackson Street in Waukegan. The incident occurred Sunday evening, and the victim was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Police are continuing to investigate. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Sep 22)

September 17, 2025

  1. Mundelein Resident Dies in Arlington Heights Motorcycle and Minivan Collision: A 44-year-old man from Mundelein died following a collision between his motorcycle and a minivan at the intersection of Golf Road and Goebbert Road in Arlington Heights. The incident occurred when a Waukegan woman driving a Toyota Sienna turned in front of the motorcycle. Authorities are continuing (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Sep 17)

September 14, 2025

  1. Mundelein Grocery Store Employee Assaulted; Suspect Arrested After Attempted Escape: Police responded to a reported assault at a grocery store on West Maple Avenue in Mundelein, where an employee was attacked by several individuals. One suspect, identified as an 18-year-old Mundelein resident, allegedly carried a loaded firearm and attempted to evade officers before being apprehend. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Sep 14)

September 13, 2025

  1. House Fire Displaces Residents in Unincorporated Lake Villa; No Injuries Reported: A fire broke out Friday afternoon at a one-story home under construction in the 37500 block of Columbus Avenue, unincorporated Lake Villa. Firefighters quickly contained the blaze, and no injuries were reported. Residents were displaced as a result of the incident. Local fire and sheriff's officials (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Sep 13)