Latest News

April 15, 2026

  1. Multiple Fire Departments Contain Wildfire at Illinois Beach State Park Near Zion: A wind-driven wildfire burned approximately five acres of land at Illinois Beach State Park near Zion, Illinois, prompting a response from several local fire departments. The Beach Park Fire Department was first on the scene after a public tip reported the fire near the lakefront on Sunday afternoon. Firefighters, along with Illinois Department of Natural Resources staff and regional departments, utilized specialized equipment to control the blaze. The collaborative response was necessary due to challenging weather and rapidly spreading flames. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Apr 15)

April 14, 2026

  1. Authorities Investigate Series of Burglaries Targeting Waukegan Businesses: Law enforcement in Waukegan and other parts of Lake County are investigating a recent series of burglaries affecting several local businesses, particularly restaurants. According to the Waukegan Police Department, suspects used forced entry to access properties and steal cash. Detectives are actively working to identify those responsible and are urging residents to report any suspicious activity. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities seek additional information. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Apr 14)

April 12, 2026

  1. Man Arrested in Waukegan After Multiple Home Intrusions and Attempted Car Theft: A 24-year-old Waukegan resident was arrested following a series of incidents in which he allegedly entered several homes in the area and tried to steal a car parked in a garage. Police responded to reports of a break-in on February 25 and pursued the suspect after he was seen fleeing another home. Officers quickly apprehended the individual, later identified as Brian Mata. Authorities continue to investigate the extent of the attempted burglaries in the neighborhood. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Apr 12)

April 9, 2026

  1. Three-Vehicle Crash in Beach Park Sends Three Women to Hospital: A collision involving three vehicles occurred on the morning of April 2 at Sheridan Road near Hendee Road in Beach Park. Officials reported that a northbound car lost control after encountering water on the roadway, leading to crashes with two other vehicles. Emergency crews responded around 7:35 a.m., and all three drivers, women from different areas, were transported to the hospital with injuries. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Apr 9)

  2. Black Lives Matter Lake County Founder Resigns After Altercation at Waukegan Office: Clyde McLemore, founder and Executive Director of Black Lives Matter Lake County, has resigned following incidents involving a physical altercation with a female colleague at the organization's Waukegan office. The events, captured on surveillance video in November and involving police intervention in January, led to McLemore stepping down from his leadership role. The organization remains focused on community advocacy and local initiatives in Lake County. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Apr 9)

April 6, 2026

  1. Fire Causes Significant Damage to Renovated Beach Park Home: A house under renovation on North Wilson Avenue in Beach Park sustained major damage last Monday when a fire ignited near the back deck. Emergency crews from the Beach Park Fire Department and Lake County Sheriff's Office responded just after noon to the structure fire. Firefighters arrived within minutes and found smoke coming from the two-story home, which was unoccupied at the time. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by local authorities. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Apr 6)

April 2, 2026

  1. Waukegan Garage Fire Displaces Residents, Damages Townhouses and Electric Vehicle: A garage fire on Candlestick Way in Waukegan caused significant damage to two townhouse units and an electric vehicle on Saturday evening. Fire crews responded around 6 p.m. and found heavy flames coming from the garage of a two-story townhouse. All residents were able to evacuate before firefighters arrived, and there were no injuries reported. Several individuals were displaced from their homes as a result of the fire. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Apr 2)

April 1, 2026

  1. Authorities Suspect Foul Play in Waukegan Attorney’s Case After Six Years: Six years after Barry Boches, a Waukegan attorney and Antioch resident, was reported missing in March 2020, investigators now believe he was the victim of homicide. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office stated that detectives have spent thousands of hours on the case and have exhausted all possible leads. Boches, who lived in unincorporated Antioch and would now be 71, disappeared under suspicious circumstances. The investigation remains open as authorities continue to seek new information. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Apr 1)

March 30, 2026

  1. Waukegan Teacher Assistant Arrested for Sexual Assault of Young Relative: A teacher's assistant at Clearview Elementary School in Waukegan was arrested following accusations that he sexually assaulted a young female relative over a two-year period. Authorities allege that the abuse began when the victim was five years old and continued until she was approximately seven. The 30-year-old suspect, Joshua R. Sanchez, faces multiple felony charges and has been placed on administrative leave by the school district. The case remains under investigation by local authorities. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Mar 30)

March 27, 2026

  1. Vernon Hills Man Charged After Random Assault at Hartmann Park: A 20-year-old Vernon Hills resident, Adrian Parrales, faces criminal charges after authorities allege he struck an unfamiliar individual with a large stick and attempted to punch a second person at Hartmann Park in Vernon Hills. Police responded to the park shortly after a 911 call reported the initial attack, and officers quickly apprehended Parrales matching the suspect’s description. The victims were not known to the suspect, and police say no further injuries were reported. Formal charges have now been filed in connection with the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Mar 27)

  2. Payroll Delay at Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan Raises Employee Concerns: Several employees at Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan did not receive their paychecks on schedule due to a reported payroll processing error. Hospital administration attributed the delay to technical issues with time card processing but acknowledged concerns about ongoing payroll reliability. The situation has drawn notice because another hospital in the Chicago area recently faced a similar problem, resulting in a temporary closure. Employees continue to seek clarity about the issue and its resolution. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Mar 27)

March 25, 2026

  1. Candlelight Vigil Planned in Mundelein for Boy Killed in House Fire: A candlelight vigil will be held Wednesday evening in Mundelein to honor Christopher Alfaro-Rodriguez, a 4-year-old boy who died during a house fire on Dalton Avenue. Emergency crews responded to the blaze early Monday, where the home was extensively damaged and the child was found deceased in the basement. According to the Lake County Coroner, his death was caused by smoke inhalation. The community continues to grieve as authorities investigate the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Mar 25)

  2. Burglary Suspect Causes Crash and Carjacking During Police Pursuit in Waukegan: On March 13, a burglary suspect fleeing Waukegan police in a Ford pickup truck caused a two-vehicle rollover accident at Sheridan Road and Grand Avenue, prompting an emergency response from local authorities. After the crash, the suspect exited the vehicle and forcibly carjacked a nearby motorist at the Waukegan Metra station. Both local police and Illinois State Police were involved in the incident, which led to significant property damage but no immediately reported fatalities. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Mar 25)

  3. Wildland Fires Stretch Across Several Lake County Cities, Disrupting Transit: Multiple wildland fires broke out along railroad tracks spanning Waukegan, North Chicago, and Lake Bluff on Wednesday, drawing significant fire department resources from both Lake County and Wisconsin. The incidents caused Metra train service to stop and led to the closure of several local roads. Emergency crews received numerous calls about the fires, which extended along the Union Pacific Railroad route. The situation was eventually brought under control after a coordinated multi-agency response. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Mar 25)

March 23, 2026

  1. Mundelein Authorities Identify 4-Year-Old Victim in Fatal House Fire: A 4-year-old boy, Christopher Alfaro-Rodriguez, has been identified by the Lake County Coroner after he was found deceased in the basement of a burning home in Mundelein. Emergency crews were dispatched to the 200 block of Dalton Avenue early Monday morning, where the house was heavily engulfed in flames. An autopsy confirmed that the child died from smoke inhalation. Local police and fire departments continue to investigate the cause of the fire, which drew over 50 firefighters to the scene. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Mar 23)

March 22, 2026

  1. Woman Receives Probation After Shooting Partner at Gurnee Hotel: Angela M. Mack of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, was sentenced to probation following an incident in which she shot her partner outside the Ten Hotel in Gurnee on Thanksgiving Day 2025. Authorities say Mack fired at her partner after an argument, leaving him wounded, and then stood over him with a firearm. The case led to charges including aggravated battery and reckless discharge of a firearm. Mack ultimately pleaded guilty as part of her sentencing in Lake County. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Mar 22)

March 21, 2026

  1. Three Masked Suspects Armed With Guns Rob Caretaker in Waukegan Home: Waukegan police responded to a report of an armed robbery on Glendenning Place on January 21, where a caretaker for an elderly woman was attacked and robbed by three masked individuals. The victim had arranged to sell gold bracelets to a buyer he met through Facebook Marketplace. Upon the buyer's arrival, the attackers, armed with firearms, assaulted the victim before fleeing with the jewelry. Authorities have identified two suspects and are continuing their investigation. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Mar 21)

March 19, 2026

  1. Fox Lake Man Arrested Following Alleged Assault on 7-Year-Old Child: A 42-year-old Fox Lake resident was arrested after police investigated allegations of physical abuse toward his 7-year-old son. Authorities responded after the child disclosed the incident to a school counselor, prompting a report to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. The man is accused of striking, grabbing, and threatening the child during an incident at their home on Crystal Springs Drive. The case remains under police review as legal proceedings move forward. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Mar 19)

March 17, 2026

  1. Dump Truck Overturns and Spills Gravel in Old Mill Creek Roundabout, Driver Injured: A dump truck overturned in a roundabout at Hunt Club Road and Millburn Road in Old Mill Creek on Friday afternoon, injuring the driver and causing a large gravel spill. Emergency crews from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Newport Township Fire Protection District responded to the scene. The driver sustained minor injuries and received a citation for speeding in the roundabout. Cleanup efforts were conducted following the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Mar 17)

  2. Two Teens Face Charges After Uber Driver Carjacked in Zion and Police Chase: Authorities have filed charges against an 18-year-old from Zion and a 17-year-old male after they allegedly carjacked an Uber driver in Zion late Saturday night. The suspects forcibly removed the 60-year-old driver from his red Subaru Forester before fleeing, prompting a police pursuit that began in Lake Forest and ended in Waukegan, according to law enforcement. Following the chase, both suspects were apprehended with one needing medical attention after being located by a police canine. The case remains under investigation by local authorities. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Mar 17)

March 16, 2026

  1. Zion Man Charged in Fatal Shooting of Kenosha Transportation Company Co-Founder: A 23-year-old man from Zion, Illinois, has been arrested in Lake County in connection with the shooting death of Christian Davis, a Kenosha resident and transportation company co-founder. The incident occurred on November 21, 2025, in the 3300 block of 24th Avenue in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Authorities charged the suspect with first-degree intentional homicide, attempted first-degree intentional homicide, and related firearm offenses. Law enforcement continues to investigate the circumstances of the case. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Mar 16)

March 15, 2026

  1. Two Arrested After Carjacking in Zion Leads to Police Chase Ending in Waukegan: Authorities apprehended two suspects early Sunday after a carjacking incident in Zion resulted in a multi-agency police pursuit across Lake County. The suspects allegedly took a Subaru Forester at Lewis Avenue and 23rd Street in Zion before fleeing, leading police from Lake Forest to Waukegan. The pursuit ended when one suspect was found hiding and taken into custody with the help of a K-9 unit. Both individuals were arrested and face multiple charges in connection with the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Mar 15)

March 14, 2026

  1. Multiple Inmates Injured and Charged After Altercation at Lake County Jail: A fight involving almost a dozen inmates occurred at the Lake County Jail in Waukegan on January 31, resulting in several injuries among those involved. Corrections officers intervened to break up the altercation, with no reports of injuries among staff. Several inmates suffered cuts, bruises, and one sustained a broken nose. All participants in the incident face battery charges and have been moved to maximum-security housing. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Mar 14)

March 13, 2026

  1. High Winds Cause Wide Disruptions in Lake and McHenry Counties: Strong winds across Lake and McHenry counties triggered numerous emergency responses on Friday as crews addressed power outages, downed power lines, and scattered debris. Gusts reached up to 64 mph in some areas, resulting in hazards such as malfunctioning traffic signals and railroad crossings. Thousands in the region lost electricity as both utility companies and first responders worked to restore safety. A wind advisory remained in effect for much of the day. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Mar 13)

March 11, 2026

  1. Firefighters Respond Quickly to Contain Fire at Waukegan Strip Mall: A fire broke out behind a strip mall on Grand Avenue in Waukegan, prompting a response from the Waukegan Fire Department Thursday afternoon. Crews found flames and smoke coming from the rear of the building, which houses several businesses, including a hair salon and pharmacy. The fire, which started in a plastic trash can outside, was contained before causing major damage. No injuries were reported and the cause is not believed to involve electrical issues. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Mar 11)

March 7, 2026

  1. Waukegan Man Faces Life Sentence After Conviction in 2020 Carjacking and Shooting: A 24-year-old man from Olympia Fields was found guilty of several charges, including attempted first-degree murder and aggravated vehicular hijacking, following a 2020 incident in Waukegan. The jury found that he shot and seriously injured a man while stealing his vehicle and also fired at a bystander. Prosecutors presented testimony over four days from law enforcement and expert witnesses. The conviction means he could now be sentenced to life in prison for his actions. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Mar 7)

  2. Bomb Squad Responds to Suspicious Package at Utility Hub in Lake Bluff: Authorities closed Sheridan Road in Lake Bluff after a suspicious package was discovered near a utility hub on Tuesday morning. Local police and fire departments, joined by the Waukegan Fire Department Bomb Squad and an explosives detection dog, quickly responded to the incident at Sheridan Road and Ravine Forest Drive. The package, a small box with a handwritten note addressed to utility workers, prompted coordinated efforts among several agencies. The investigation concluded with no injuries reported. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Mar 7)

March 6, 2026

  1. Family Seeks Answers After Waukegan Woman Killed in Winthrop Harbor Hit-and-Run: The family of Shanna White, a 50-year-old Waukegan resident who was fatally struck by a vehicle in Winthrop Harbor on February 26, is urging the driver involved to come forward. White was hit while walking on Sheridan Road between 14th and 16th Streets, with the vehicle fleeing northbound. Emergency responders transported her to Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan, where she was pronounced dead. The family has offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Mar 6)

  2. Fire Heavily Damages Waukegan Auto Repair Shop; One Employee Hospitalized: A fire broke out at an auto repair shop on Audrey Nixon Boulevard in Waukegan, resulting in significant building damage and the hospitalization of one employee. The incident occurred Monday afternoon, with fire crews arriving to find heavy black smoke coming from the structure. Firefighters worked to extinguish the flames and ventilate the facility while confirming all individuals were accounted for. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Mar 6)

  3. Waukegan Man Charged in Drug-Induced Homicide of Zion Woman Following Overdose: A 35-year-old man from Waukegan has been charged with drug-induced homicide after a woman was found dead in her Zion residence from an overdose. Authorities allege the suspect sold fentanyl to the 33-year-old victim, whose death was linked to fentanyl and alprazolam toxicity following an autopsy. Zion police and fire officials responded to the incident on the 2300 block of Elisha Avenue on February 3, launching an investigation to trace the drug source. Charges were announced after the investigation concluded. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Mar 6)

March 4, 2026

  1. Five Injured in Two-Car Collision on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in North Chicago: A collision between a mid-size sedan and a compact car at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Dickey Avenue in North Chicago resulted in significant damage to both vehicles and injuries to five individuals. Emergency responders arrived around 9:20 p.m. and transported all five people to a hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening. Police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances of the crash. No fatalities were reported, and both cars sustained major damage. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Mar 4)

March 3, 2026

  1. Driver Sentenced to Probation in Fatal Waukegan Hit-and-Run Involving Mundelein Woman: A Waukegan woman received probation after pleading guilty to a fatal hit-and-run that occurred at Grand Avenue and Jackson Street in Waukegan on September 21, 2025. Rosalinda Vaca, 50, admitted to leaving the scene after striking Michelle Heidbrick, 36, of Mundelein, resulting in the deaths of Heidbrick and her unborn child. Vaca faced felony charges for failing to report and leaving the scene of a crash involving death. Emergency crews responded after a witness alerted authorities. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Mar 3)

  2. 19-Year-Old Charged in Armed Robbery During Online Sale in Round Lake Beach: A 19-year-old man was arrested following an alleged armed robbery during an online sale at a Round Lake Beach residence. Authorities say the suspect met the victim in the 1500 block of Spring Brook Court and used a firearm to steal clothing before later appearing on social media wearing the stolen items. The suspect faces an armed robbery charge, a serious felony, in connection with the January 29 incident. No injuries were reported during the exchange. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Mar 3)

February 28, 2026

  1. Identity Released in Fatal Hit-and-Run of Waukegan Woman in Winthrop Harbor: The Lake County Coroner has identified Shanna White, a 50-year-old mother and grandmother from Waukegan, as the victim in a fatal hit-and-run incident in Winthrop Harbor. Emergency responders were called to the 1400 block of Sheridan Road late Thursday night, where White was found with severe injuries. An autopsy confirmed she died from multiple blunt force injuries sustained in the crash. Authorities continue to investigate as her family seeks information. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 28)

February 27, 2026

  1. Woman Dies After Hit-and-Run Incident on Sheridan Road in Winthrop Harbor: Authorities in Winthrop Harbor are investigating a hit-and-run on Sheridan Road near 14th Street that resulted in the death of a woman late Thursday evening. Emergency responders arrived at the scene around 11:10 p.m. and found the victim in the roadway before transporting her to a hospital in Waukegan with critical injuries. The vehicle involved fled the scene prior to police arrival. Officials are asking for information from the public to assist with the ongoing investigation. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 27)

February 24, 2026

  1. Wonder Lake House Fire Leaves Young Family Homeless and Pet Injured: A house fire on the 2000 block of Winterberry Trail in Wonder Lake displaced a recently married couple expecting a child. Multiple fire departments from Lake, McHenry, and Kenosha counties responded to the blaze, which was reported Saturday afternoon. The fire caused severe damage to the home and left the family's cat injured and trapped inside. Emergency crews were able to reach the scene within minutes, but the residence was left uninhabitable. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 24)

February 22, 2026

  1. Two Hospitalized, Cat Rescued After House Fire in Wonder Lake Causes Major Damage: A house fire on the 2000 block of Winterberry Trail in Wonder Lake led to two people being transported to the hospital Saturday afternoon. Firefighters from multiple counties responded quickly and were able to rescue a trapped cat from the residence. The fire caused notable damage to the two-story home, particularly affecting the attached garage area. The incident has left the residents displaced as authorities continue to assess the situation. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 22)

February 21, 2026

  1. Zion Man Sentenced to 21 Years for Armed Carjacking and Police Chase in Waukegan: A Zion man, Elijah Monette, 22, has been sentenced to 21 years in prison for his role in an armed carjacking involving a mother and child in Waukegan in March 2024. Monette, along with other suspects, was accused of wielding a machine gun and fleeing from police, prompting a high-speed chase through Lake County that concluded in North Chicago. The incident occurred at a retail parking lot on North Lewis Avenue. Charges included aggravated vehicular hijacking and multiple weapons offenses. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 21)

February 15, 2026

  1. Waukegan House Fire Displaces Residents After Extensive Damage: A fire severely damaged a single-family home on the 1800 block of West Greenwood Avenue in Waukegan Wednesday afternoon, leaving residents without a place to stay. The Waukegan Fire Department responded around 12:30 p.m., encountering heavy smoke as the fire, which started in the basement, spread to the kitchen and living room. Firefighters conducted an offensive attack to control the blaze. The incident left the affected residents homeless, with significant property loss. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 15)

February 13, 2026

  1. Navy Sailor, 19, Found Deceased in Naval Station Great Lakes Barracks: A 19-year-old U.S. Navy sailor was found unresponsive and pronounced dead Sunday in a non-recruit barracks at Naval Station Great Lakes in Lake County, Illinois. Emergency responders arrived around midday, and the Lake County Coroner's Office handled the case. An autopsy has been completed, but the exact cause and manner of death remain undetermined, pending further tests. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service is currently investigating the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 13)

  2. Waukegan Funeral Held for Man Fatally Shot During Police Response to Suicide Call: Funeral services have been held for Ricardo Delafuente, a 58-year-old Waukegan resident originally from Mexico, who died after being shot by police responding to a report of a suicide attempt at his home in the 1000 block of Leith Avenue. The incident occurred Saturday afternoon, prompting an investigation by the Illinois State Police. Three officers had responded to the residence following a call made to the Waukegan 911 dispatch center. The investigation into the officer-involved shooting remains ongoing. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 13)

  3. Security Staff at Waukegan Nightclub Accused of Assault During Event: An altercation occurred at Red Iguana Night Club in Waukegan during an event on February 1, where security personnel allegedly rendered a man unconscious and then carried him outside, leaving him injured on the concrete. The victim reported the incident to local police the same day, displaying visible physical injuries. Cellphone footage reportedly shows security carrying out the unconscious individual. The police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 13)

February 12, 2026

  1. Three Hospitalized After Multi-Vehicle Crash Causes Delays on I-94 Near Waukegan: A toddler and two adults were taken to the hospital following a three-vehicle crash on the westbound side of Interstate 94 north of Route 137 near Waukegan Wednesday afternoon. Emergency crews from Gurnee and Libertyville responded around 4:10 p.m., and Illinois State Police confirmed no one was ejected from their vehicle during the incident. The crash led to significant traffic backups on the interstate as authorities worked to clear the scene and investigate. No further details on the conditions of those hospitalized were released. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 12)

  2. Appeals Court Upholds Dismissal of Charges Against Waukegan City Clerk: An appeals court has upheld a lower court's decision to dismiss felony charges against Waukegan City Clerk Janet Kilkelly. The prosecutor's appeal was rejected on grounds that the evidence presented in the initial case was deemed deceptive and inaccurate. Kilkelly had faced a 15-count indictment related to alleged misconduct and misuse of funds involving business credits for liquor and gambling licenses. The case has been closed following this appellate ruling. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 12)

  3. Funeral Services Held for U.S. Navy Seaman Killed in Waukegan Crash: Funeral services are being held for Hayden Jones, a 22-year-old U.S. Navy Seaman from Oklahoma, who died in a single-vehicle crash in Waukegan on January 26. Jones was stationed at Naval Station Great Lakes at the time of the accident, which occurred in the 1100 block of South Lewis Avenue. Emergency responders found the vehicle had collided with a fence and trees, resulting in fatal injuries. Local authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 12)

February 11, 2026

  1. Waukegan Resident Charged With Federal Forced Labor and Trafficking Offenses: A Waukegan resident, Fredy Hernandez, 46, originally from Honduras, is facing federal indictments for allegedly trafficking several individuals into the United States and forcing them into labor. The 12-count indictment outlines accusations of bringing and harboring undocumented immigrants as well as compelling them to work for his benefit. The charges were filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago, stemming from incidents in 2022 and 2023. Hernandez faces significant prison time if convicted on these charges. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 11)

February 9, 2026

  1. Lake County Coroner Names Man Fatally Shot During Police Incident in Waukegan: The Lake County Coroner’s Office has identified Ricardo Delafuente, a 58-year-old Waukegan resident, as the individual killed in a police-involved shooting on Leith Avenue on Saturday afternoon. According to authorities, the incident occurred after officers responded to a report of an attempted suicide. An autopsy later determined that Delafuente died from multiple gunshot wounds. Further details regarding the circumstances leading up to the shooting have not been disclosed. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 9)

February 8, 2026

  1. Illinois State Police Investigate Deadly Officer-Involved Shooting in Waukegan: The Illinois State Police are conducting an investigation following an officer-involved shooting in Waukegan on Saturday that resulted in the death of a 58-year-old man. Officers responded to a report of a possible suicide attempt in the 1000 block of Leith Avenue, where an encounter led to the fatal shooting. Officials have not provided details regarding the circumstances of the incident. The deceased was pronounced dead at the scene, and no additional injuries were reported. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 8)

February 7, 2026

  1. One Fatality Reported in Waukegan Officer-Involved Shooting, Investigation Underway: An individual was fatally shot in an officer-involved incident in Waukegan, according to a city alderman. The event occurred in the Third Ward on Saturday evening, prompting an investigation by the Illinois State Police Public Integrity Unit. Officials have stated that there is no threat to the surrounding community at this time. Additional information from authorities has not yet been released, and the investigation continues. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 7)

February 4, 2026

  1. Waukegan Police Provide Update on Funeral Home Shooting Injuring Two People: Waukegan police have shared new information about a shooting at Memorial Chapel Funeral Home on Washington Street that occurred Friday night, leaving two people injured. Officers responded to the scene and found a 21-year-old local resident with abdominal gunshot wounds, who was later stabilized at Advocate Condell Medical Center. A second victim, age 29 from Zion, was shot in the leg and taken to Lake Forest Hospital, then released after treatment. The suspected gunman remains in custody pending trial. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 4)

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