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December 27, 2025
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Zion Family Displaced After Christmas Eve Fire, Community Organizes Support: A major house fire on the 3100 block of Ezekiel Avenue in Zion left a family without a home and most of their belongings on Christmas Eve. Zion Fire Rescue Department responded quickly and ensured all family members were safely evacuated from the two-story home. Community members have since rallied to provide support and resources for the family as they recover from the incident. No injuries were reported, but the home sustained significant damage. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 27)
December 26, 2025
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Zion Family Displaced After Christmas Eve Fire Causes Major Home Damage: A house fire on Christmas Eve severely damaged a residence in the 3100 block of Ezekiel Avenue in Zion, leaving a family without a home. Firefighters from the Zion Fire Rescue Department responded to the scene shortly after 8 p.m. and found significant flames and smoke coming from the front of the two-story house. All residents were confirmed safe, and crews conducted thorough searches to ensure no occupants remained inside. The fire’s impact left the family displaced during the holiday season. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 26)
December 13, 2025
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Zion Man Found Guilty in Fatal Shooting of Beach Park Resident in Waukegan: A jury has convicted Jamonte J. Davis, a 28-year-old from Zion, for the murder of Sergio Berrios, 42, of Beach Park. Berrios was discovered fatally shot multiple times inside a parked vehicle in the 1300 block of Chestnut Street in Waukegan on October 3, 2022. Responding officers found over 20 shell casings at the scene and pronounced Berrios dead. Davis was charged with first-degree murder and now faces sentencing following the guilty verdict. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 13)
December 4, 2025
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Waukegan License Director and Two Others Arrested Following Home Invasion Incident: The City of Waukegan's License Director, Susana Figueroa, 60, and her two brothers have been arrested in connection with a home invasion on the 600 block of 10th Street, resulting in injuries to a victim. All three face felony charges including home invasion and criminal trespass, while one brother was also charged with aggravated battery. The incident prompted a response from Waukegan and North Chicago police departments. Authorities have yet to release additional details about the ongoing investigation. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 4)
November 23, 2025
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Firefighter Hospitalized After House Fire on Harbor Ridge Drive in Zion: A house fire Saturday evening in the 3600 block of Harbor Ridge Drive in Zion caused around $200,000 in damage and forced its residents to leave their home. The Zion Fire Rescue Department responded to significant flames and smoke from the rear of a two-story house, while some personnel were already engaged with a separate medical call. One firefighter was injured and taken to a hospital. All residents were able to evacuate safely and are accounted for. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 23)
November 21, 2025
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Waukegan Man Faces Felony Charges After Unprovoked Shooting at Occupied Car: A Waukegan resident, Anthony Montemayor, age 43, has been charged with multiple felonies after allegedly firing a gun at an occupied vehicle in a busy area on Wednesday morning. Police closed a section of 10th Street near Lincoln Avenue and Prescott Street to investigate the incident. The suspect is accused of entering a store armed, requesting help, then stepping outside and shooting at a car before fleeing. He faces charges such as aggravated discharge of a firearm and unlawful possession. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 21)
November 19, 2025
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Video Shows Suspects Flee Into Gurnee High School Following Federal Pursuit: Surveillance footage released this week shows two individuals fleeing federal agents and entering Warren Township High School’s O’Plaine Campus in Gurnee on October 30. Authorities report the pursuit began outside Gurnee and involved a pickup truck with individuals previously deported for felony offenses. The chase, which included crashes in several neighboring towns, ended when the suspects ran onto school grounds as classes were underway. Local police and federal agents responded promptly to the event. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 19)
November 12, 2025
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Murder Charges Filed in Fatal Shooting of Beach Park Man, Suspect Arrested: Prosecutors allege that Cristian Noel Ruvalcava Torres, 28, of Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin, was paid $1,200 to fatally shoot Oscar Ochoa-Tello, 46, outside his home in Beach Park on November 5. Authorities say the victim was targeted while preparing to leave for work in the early morning hours. Ochoa-Tello was transported to a local hospital in critical condition following the attack. The Lake County Sheriff's Office has arrested Ruvalcava Torres and recovered a firearm believed to be linked to the shooting. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 12)
November 8, 2025
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North Chicago Townhome Fire Renders Two Units Uninhabitable, Displaces Residents: A fire broke out in the 100 block of Welwyn Court in North Chicago on October 31, resulting in extensive damage to two townhome units. Multiple fire departments responded after receiving reports mid-afternoon, finding one unit fully engulfed in flames and the fire spreading to an adjacent home. Both residences suffered significant destruction, leaving them uninhabitable and displacing the affected residents. Fire officials continue to investigate the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 8)
October 29, 2025
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Ontario County Updates on Flood Recovery and Emergency Response: Ontario County officials continue to address the aftermath of recent flooding, deploying crews to clear debris and repair damaged infrastructure. The flooding, which affected several communities, has prompted both local and state agencies to coordinate relief efforts and evaluate long-term mitigation strategies. Residents have been urged to follow safety advisories as recovery work progresses. Authorities are committed to restoring normalcy and enhancing future preparedness in the region. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Sep 21)
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SWAT Responds to Domestic Assault at Gurnee Senior Living Facility: A SWAT team apprehended a man after a standoff at Thomas Place Gurnee, where he allegedly assaulted his mother with a metal pipe. The incident occurred Saturday evening, resulting in the woman being hospitalized with a head injury. Gurnee police and emergency services responded to the scene on North (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Sep 28)
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Gurnee Man Faces Felony Charges After Pipe Assault at Senior Facility: A 45-year-old Gurnee resident was arrested by a SWAT team at Thomas Place Gurnee after allegedly attacking his mother with a metal pipe, resulting in her hospitalization. Police responded to a domestic disturbance at the senior living facility on North Hunt Club Road, leading to felony charges for a (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Sep 30)
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SUV Driver Cited After Semi-Truck Rollover at Barrington Intersection: A collision between an SUV and a semi-truck at Barrington Road and Dundee Road in Barrington resulted in the truck overturning and its driver sustaining serious injuries. Emergency crews responded on October 8, extricating the trapped truck driver, who was then airlifted to a hospital. The SUV's 201 (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 16)
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School District Alerts Community to ICE and Border Patrol Activity in Waukegan, North: North Chicago School District 187 notified families after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol were observed making arrests in Waukegan and North Chicago. The district cited confirmed enforcement activity at Foss Park and along Lewis Avenue, emphasizing ongoing monitoring to, (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 2)
October 27, 2025
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Student Found With Firearms in North Chicago Dorm, Faces Multiple Charges: A 30-year-old student at Rosalind Franklin University in North Chicago was arrested on October 3 after officers and campus security found two rifles and a handgun in his dormitory room. The student, Fernando Sanchez-Gonzalez, allegedly became combative and struck a police officer during the attempt to take him into custody. He faces charges including aggravated battery and unauthorized possession of weapons. Authorities report he refused a mandated mental health evaluation before the incident was resolved. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 27)
October 25, 2025
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Border Patrol Conducts Arrests of Workers in Waukegan, Gurnee, and North Chicago: U.S. Border Patrol agents carried out several arrests in the Waukegan, Gurnee, and North Chicago area on Saturday morning after a notable decline in recent enforcement activities in Lake County. Residents reported seeing agents detain landscapers and roofers, with federal authorities also deploying drones and a helicopter during the operations. The arrests occurred at various locations, including near the Belvidere Mall and on 10th Street in Waukegan. These actions reflect renewed federal immigration enforcement within eastern Lake County. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 25)
October 22, 2025
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Driver Critically Hurt in Suspected Impaired Crash with Semi-Truck in North Chicago: A woman in her 20s was critically injured after her car struck the rear of a stopped semi-truck on northbound Route 41 near Route 137 in North Chicago. Emergency crews extricated her from the vehicle. Authorities believe impairment may have contributed to the high-speed collision, which occurred on (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 22)
October 21, 2025
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North Chicago Restricts Federal Use of City Property for Immigration Enforcement: The mayor of North Chicago has issued an executive order preventing federal immigration agents from using city-owned properties for enforcement activities. The directive, signed at City Hall with local officials and community leaders present, is intended to clarify the city's stance on federal roles (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 21)
October 20, 2025
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Driver critically hurt after car becomes trapped under semi on Route 41 in North Chic: Emergency crews in North Chicago responded to a serious crash Friday evening on northbound Route 41, just south of Route 137, where a woman was critically injured after her car struck the rear of a stopped semi-truck and became lodged underneath. Firefighters had to extricate the driver, who was the (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 20)
October 17, 2025
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Border Patrol increases immigration enforcement in central Lake County: U.S. Border Patrol agents recently expanded immigration enforcement activities to central Lake County, with arrests reported in the Round Lake, Wauconda, and Fox Lake areas. Local schools, including those in Wauconda Community Unit School District 118, notified families about the enforcement but did (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 17)
October 14, 2025
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Authorities Identify Two Dead in Murder-Suicide at North Chicago Naval Housing: The Lake County Coroner has identified Olivia Lacey, a 36-year-old U.S. Navy sailor, and John Taylor, 39, as the individuals found dead in a murder-suicide outside a residence on California Avenue in North Chicago. The incident occurred near Naval Station Great Lakes and is under investigation by a (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 14)
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Two Dead in Apparent Murder-Suicide at North Chicago Naval Housing: Authorities report that a woman serving in the U.S. Navy and a man were found dead from gunshot wounds outside a residence in the 2300 block of California Avenue in North Chicago, near Naval Station Great Lakes. Police believe the man shot the sailor before taking his own life. Both were pronounced, (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 14)
October 11, 2025
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Navy Sailor and Another Individual Found Dead in North Chicago Shooting: Authorities are investigating a suspected murder-suicide after a man and a woman, identified as a U.S. Navy Sailor, were found dead from gunshot wounds outside a residence on California Avenue in North Chicago. The incident occurred near Naval Station Great Lakes on Friday evening. Both victims were (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 11)
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Two Found Dead in Apparent Murder-Suicide at North Chicago Military Housing: Authorities are investigating after a man and a female military service member were found dead from gunshot wounds outside a residence in the 2300 block of California Avenue in North Chicago. The incident, which occurred near Naval Station Great Lakes, is being treated as a possible murder-suicide. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 11)
October 10, 2025
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Two Injured and Pets Rescued in Apartment Fire Near Lake Bluff: A fire at the Forest Pointe Apartments on North Waukegan Road in unincorporated Lake Bluff resulted in injuries to two residents and displaced a family. Firefighters from multiple Lake County departments responded, rescuing a dog and other animals from the building. The incident caused significant, (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 10)
October 4, 2025
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Waukegan Postal Worker Charged in Attempted Meeting With Undercover Agent Posing as: A Waukegan resident employed by the U.S. Postal Service faces felony and misdemeanor charges after allegedly arranging to meet someone he believed was a 13-year-old girl at a Lake Forest park. The individual, 38, was arrested following an undercover operation by law enforcement. Authorities say the (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 4)
October 1, 2025
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Lake County water plant operator faces drug charges after undercover investigation: A North Chicago resident employed as a water plant operator was arrested following a federal and local investigation into cocaine sales across Lake County. Authorities allege the individual conducted multiple drug transactions, including one at a Gurnee Mills parking lot. The arrest followed several (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 1)
September 30, 2025
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Driver Injured in Rollover Crash on Route 41 in North Chicago: A car traveling southbound on Route 41 near Brompton Avenue in North Chicago crossed into oncoming lanes and collided with a semi-truck, resulting in significant vehicle damage and the temporary closure of the roadway. The driver was hospitalized following the incident, which occurred Friday around (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Sep 30)
September 29, 2025
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Man Identified After Fatal Vehicle Fire in North Chicago Crash: Authorities have identified Thomas Byrne, 33, of North Chicago, as the victim of a fatal crash on September 21 at Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Meadow Lane. The incident involved two vehicles, with one becoming fully engulfed in flames. An autopsy indicated Byrne died from blunt force injuries. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Sep 29)
September 19, 2025
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North Chicago resident sentenced to 12 years for plot against Naval Station Great L L: A former Navy sailor from North Chicago received a 12-year federal prison sentence after admitting to planning an attack on Naval Station Great Lakes. The individual pleaded guilty to charges related to conspiring to harm national defense facilities, following an investigation by federal and local (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Sep 19)
September 15, 2025
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Three Charged in Series of Burglaries Targeting Lake County and Chicagoland Area: Three individuals face felony charges after authorities allege they participated in a burglary ring responsible for stealing over $500,000 from businesses across Lake, DuPage, Cook, and Will counties. The group reportedly targeted establishments such as bars, gas stations, and gaming parlors, with a (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Sep 15)
September 12, 2025
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Several Injured After Vehicle Strikes Apartment Building in North Chicago: A car crashed into an apartment building on Sheridan Road in North Chicago late Tuesday night, resulting in multiple people being hospitalized, including one with serious injuries. The incident displaced residents and required response from local police and fire departments. The crash involved a 201 (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Sep 12)