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January 2, 2026
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Woodstock Man Charged With Attempted Murder After Gas Station Clerk Assault: Authorities in Woodstock arrested a 29-year-old man following a violent attack on a female store clerk at a Shell gas station on North Eastwood Drive. Police responded Wednesday morning to find the employee seriously injured after being struck multiple times inside the store. Investigators used statements from the victim and security footage to identify and locate the suspect. The incident is being treated as an attempted murder, and the suspect remains in custody. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 2)
January 1, 2026
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Woodstock Woman Charged Following Arson That Caused Major Damage to Walmart Store: A 21-year-old resident of Woodstock was arrested and faces felony charges for allegedly starting a fire at the Walmart located at 1275 Lake Avenue on New Year’s Eve. The incident prompted a significant emergency response from the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District and local police. The fire reportedly caused over $5 million in damage to merchandise and temporarily closed the store. Authorities continue their investigation as the accused faces substantial legal consequences. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 1)
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Officials Investigate Fire at Woodstock Walmart That Prompted Temporary Closure: A fire inside the Walmart at 1275 Lake Avenue in Woodstock on New Year’s Eve led to a store evacuation and temporary closure due to smoke and product damage. The Woodstock Fire/Rescue District and local police arrived shortly after 7 p.m. to find employees had already activated emergency procedures. The automatic sprinkler system extinguished the flames before firefighters entered to investigate. Authorities are currently conducting a police investigation into the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 1)
December 29, 2025
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Semi-Truck Overturns on Route 47 in Woodstock During Hazardous Winter Weather: Early Monday morning, a semi-truck carrying grain overturned on Route 47 near Ware Road in unincorporated Woodstock, Illinois. Both occupants of the truck were evaluated by paramedics but did not require additional medical care. Snow, icy roads, and strong winds caused dangerous travel conditions throughout McHenry County, leading to numerous weather-related accidents that kept first responders busy through the morning. No hazardous materials were spilled during the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 29)
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Winter Weather Causes Multiple Crashes in Lake and McHenry Counties: Lake and McHenry counties experienced several vehicle accidents on Monday morning as high winds and light snowfall combined to create slick roads. The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for northern Illinois, including Lake, McHenry, and several adjacent counties, predicting wind gusts reaching 55 mph and up to an inch of snow accumulation. The hazardous conditions prompted warnings for area motorists. The advisory was in effect from early morning until 10 a.m. Monday. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 29)
December 24, 2025
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Driver Accused of Traffic Violations After Car Crashes Into Woodstock Supermarket: A vehicle driven by a Woodstock resident crashed through the front of Restaurante El Sol and Supermercado El Sol on East Church Street in downtown Woodstock on December 16. Authorities say the driver allegedly failed to stop at a sign and was using an electronic device at the time of the collision. Emergency crews responded promptly and found the driver, who was alone in the car, uninjured and outside the vehicle. No injuries were reported among building occupants as a result of the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 24)
December 21, 2025
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McHenry County Fire Departments Join Operation North Pole Event for Children: Several fire departments from McHenry County participated in the Operation North Pole Christmas train event, aimed at providing support and joy to children facing serious or terminal illnesses and their families. The event marked the return of the holiday train after a five-year pause, offering gifts to the children and collecting food donations for local pantries. Residents in the Chicago area were encouraged to show support as families took part in this annual trip. The initiative sought to uplift local families during the holiday season. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 21)
December 20, 2025
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Harvard Man Arrested After Police Pursuit Through McHenry County: A 23-year-old Harvard resident, Marco Gomez, was arrested following a police chase that began after he allegedly failed to stop for a traffic violation in McHenry County. The incident started on December 12 near Route 176 and Franklinville Street, with Gomez reportedly fleeing at high speeds and discarding items from his vehicle. The pursuit traveled through multiple communities before authorities detained him in Harvard. Gomez was found to have outstanding warrants at the time of his arrest. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 20)
December 17, 2025
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Vehicle Strikes Woodstock Restaurant and Supermarket Storefront, No Injuries Reported: A vehicle crashed into Restaurante El Sol and Supermercado El Sol on East Church Street in downtown Woodstock early Tuesday morning, according to local authorities. Emergency responders arrived shortly after 6 a.m. to find the driver, who was alone in the car, had exited safely and did not require medical attention. No one inside the businesses was harmed during the incident. The storefront sustained minor damage, including a broken window that has since been secured. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 17)
December 12, 2025
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Belvidere Man Convicted of Child Sexual Assault in McHenry County: A 58-year-old man from Belvidere has been convicted in McHenry County of sexually assaulting a minor over a two-year period. The jury found him guilty after evidence showed he assaulted the child on several occasions in local parks and attempted to prevent disclosure by offering gifts and using coercion. The crimes were uncovered when the child reported the incidents to a family member, prompting an immediate police investigation. The abuse reportedly occurred between September 2021 and September 2023. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 12)
December 7, 2025
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Woodstock Woman Charged With Drug Possession and Alleged Attempt to Conceal Evidence: A 37-year-old woman from Woodstock, Illinois, faces multiple drug-related charges after authorities allege she was found with significant amounts of fentanyl and cocaine. According to McHenry County officials, the woman was arrested after deputies discovered 22 grams of cocaine and fentanyl, along with paraphernalia related to drug manufacturing. While in custody, she reportedly tried to coordinate with her roommate to hide additional drugs. The case is being handled by the McHenry County Circuit Court. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 7)
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Woodstock Appliance Store Experiences Additional Collapse After Recent Roof Failure: Thompson Appliance in Woodstock faced further structural decline after its roof collapsed earlier in the week, prompting concerns of a complete building failure. City officials were initially alerted to major structural damage at the Clay Street property, where the roof collapse was discovered by the owner. Emergency responders and building inspectors assessed the site, confirming ongoing risks. No one was inside at the time, and officials have continued monitoring the hazardous situation. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 7)
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Lake and McHenry Counties Receive Up to 7 Inches of Snow with Early Seasonal Record: Parts of Lake and McHenry counties in Illinois experienced up to seven inches of snowfall over the weekend, with areas such as Lindenhurst and Capron reporting the highest totals. The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory affecting multiple counties as a weather system brought significant accumulation beginning late Saturday. The early and substantial snowfall marks the fastest start to the snow season in the Chicagoland area since 1978. The advisory remained in effect until 9 a.m. Sunday. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 7)
December 3, 2025
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Roof Collapse at Woodstock Appliance Store Prompts Emergency Precautions: A roof collapse at Thompson Appliance on Clay Street in Woodstock led authorities to declare the structure at immediate risk of a complete collapse on Wednesday afternoon. The incident was discovered by the building owner, and emergency responders quickly set up a secure perimeter around the property. The business was not open to the public during the event, thus no injuries were reported. Officials are continuing to monitor the situation as they assess the building's stability. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 3)
November 29, 2025
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Lake and McHenry Counties Brace for Continued Heavy Snowfall After Storm: Lake and McHenry counties have experienced significant snowfall, with totals reaching up to 7 inches in some communities by early Saturday evening, according to the National Weather Service. Areas like McHenry, Woodstock, Wadsworth, and Antioch reported from 5 to 7 inches, while O'Hare International Airport recorded 3 inches. Over 1,100 flights were canceled at O'Hare, and hazardous road conditions have been reported as snow is expected to continue into Sunday morning. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 29)
November 22, 2025
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Woodstock Reconsiders Flock Surveillance Camera Proposal After Initial Stalemate: The Woodstock City Council is again weighing a proposal to lease six surveillance cameras from Flock Safety Group for the Woodstock Square, following a recent tie vote that left the matter unresolved. The three-year agreement would cost over $21,000 per year, partially offset by a $9,000 grant targeting organized retail crime. The cameras are intended for video monitoring, not license plate reading. Council members are expected to revisit the ordinance next month as resident concerns continue to surface. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 22)
November 17, 2025
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One Airlifted After SUV Strikes Unattended Vehicle on Route 14 in Crystal Lake: Emergency services responded to a two-vehicle collision on Route 14 near Lucas Road in Crystal Lake on Sunday evening. Authorities reported that a Chevrolet SUV collided with an unoccupied Ford SUV left in the roadway, resulting in serious facial injuries to the Chevrolet's driver. That individual was first taken to a nearby helipad and then airlifted to a trauma center, while a second person also required hospital care. Police continue to investigate the circumstances of the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 17)
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Two-Vehicle Crash Causes SUV Rollover Near Woodstock, No Injuries Reported: Emergency responders were called to a crash at Route 14 and Hughes Road in unincorporated Woodstock on Saturday morning. The collision involved two vehicles, including a Jeep Wrangler that rolled over and sustained heavy damage. Despite the severity of the crash and initial concerns prompting a helicopter standby, no injuries were reported. Part of the roadway was temporarily closed while crews addressed the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 15)
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Brush Fire Near McHenry Burns 15 Acres, Draws Large Multi-Agency Response: A wind-driven brush fire consumed roughly 15 acres on South Crystal Lake Road near McHenry on Sunday afternoon, prompting a response from over a dozen fire departments across Lake and McHenry counties. Firefighters arrived within minutes to find the blaze actively spreading behind a residence and barn, accelerated by strong west winds. The Mutual Aid Box Alarm System was activated to bolster resources needed for containment. The incident highlighted the challenges of coordinating wildfire responses in the area. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 17)
November 16, 2025
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Resident Injured in Johnsburg House Fire That Caused Widespread Damage: A house fire began at the back of a residence in the 4000 block of North Hillcrest Place in Johnsburg early Sunday, resulting in significant damage to the structure. Firefighters from the McHenry Township Fire Protection District responded just before 8 a.m. and managed to contain the blaze within 40 minutes. One resident sustained injuries, and all occupants safely exited the home. The incident left the residents displaced due to the extent of the fire damage. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 16)
November 15, 2025
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Fire Destroys Barn, Kills Over 50 Chickens and Damages House Near Harvard: A fire early Saturday morning on the 4700 block of Lindwall Road in unincorporated Harvard destroyed a barn, killed more than 50 chickens, and caused damage to both a nearby house and two vehicles. Multiple fire departments responded quickly to the scene after the blaze was reported around 5:29 a.m. Firefighters arrived to find the barn fully engulfed in flames and partially collapsed. The house sustained fire damage before the blaze was brought under control. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 15)
November 8, 2025
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Firefighters Rescue Two Residents from House Fire on East Todd Avenue in Woodstock: A house fire broke out Saturday morning on East Todd Avenue in Woodstock, prompting a prompt response from the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District and nearby agencies. Two residents, who were unable to evacuate due to limited mobility, were safely rescued by firefighters and later evaluated by paramedics. Crews managed to contain the fire to a single bedroom within minutes of arrival, limiting further damage. The incident required an upgrade to a working fire but was brought under control efficiently. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 8)
November 3, 2025
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Child Airlifted After Head-On Collision Near Harvard Hospitalizes Five: A head-on collision between two vehicles south of Route 14 and Lembcke Road in unincorporated Harvard resulted in five people being hospitalized, including a child who was ejected from a car seat and seriously injured. Emergency responders from the Harvard Fire Protection District and McHenry County Sheriff's Office arrived at the scene Sunday afternoon after reports of multiple victims and entrapment. The child was airlifted due to the severity of injuries. Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 3)
October 29, 2025
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Bomb Squad Destroys Suspected Explosive Device Near Woodstock in McHenry County: Authorities responded to a property on Kunde Road in unincorporated McHenry County, southwest of Woodstock, after a resident found a suspicious plastic box with a fuse. The Kane County Bomb Squad inspected and safely destroyed the device. The origin of the item remains unknown. No injuries were, or, (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 16)
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Inmates Sue After McHenry County Jail Transport Bus Crash Hospitalizes 19 in Hainesville: Several inmates have filed a lawsuit in McHenry County Circuit Court following a crash involving a prisoner transport bus and a Chevrolet SUV in Hainesville on September 4, 2024. The incident at the intersection of Route 120 and Hainesville Road resulted in 19 people being hospitalized, including the bus driver. The bus had been transporting inmates from Lake County Jail to McHenry County Jail at the time of the collision. Legal proceedings will address injuries sustained during the crash. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Sep 22)
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Two-Vehicle Crash Sends Driver to Hospital After Car Strikes House Near Marengo: A two-vehicle collision occurred Wednesday morning at the intersection of Route 23 and River Road in unincorporated Marengo, resulting in both drivers suffering serious injuries. Emergency crews, including the Marengo Fire & Rescue Districts and McHenry County Sheriff's Office, responded to the scene. One driver was airlifted to a hospital in critical condition after one of the vehicles struck a nearby house. The incident remains under investigation by local authorities. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 29)
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Wonder Lake Man Arrested in Overdose Death of Woodstock North High Student: A 19-year-old from Wonder Lake, Carlos M. Paiz, was taken into custody after authorities say he attempted to leave the country following charges linked to a teenager's fatal overdose. According to McHenry County court records, Paiz faces charges of drug-induced homicide and unlawful delivery of a controlled substance involving 17-year-old Brenden Roewer. The incident reportedly took place in late October 2024, resulting in the student's death. Paiz now awaits legal proceedings in McHenry County. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Sep 13)
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Woman Seriously Injured in SUV and Semi-Truck Collision Near Woodstock: A woman sustained serious injuries and required airlifting to a hospital after an SUV reportedly failed to stop at a sign and collided with a semi-truck at the intersection of Route 47 and Charles Road in unincorporated Woodstock. Emergency crews extricated the woman from the vehicle following the 1 (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 12)
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Driver Cited After SUV Crashes Into Lakemoor Building and Sparks Fire: An 83-year-old man was cited by Lakemoor police after his SUV crashed into an industrial building and struck a gas meter at 431 Scotland Road on Tuesday afternoon. The impact caused both the building and the vehicle to catch fire, prompting a response from the McHenry Township Fire Protection District and nearby departments. Authorities report that the driver attributed the crash to mechanical failure. Firefighters arrived within minutes and quickly contained the situation. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 24)
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SUV Crash in Lakemoor Sparks Fire at Industrial Building; No Serious Injuries Report: Emergency crews responded to 431 Scotland Road in Lakemoor after an SUV struck a gas meter and crashed into an industrial building, igniting both the vehicle and the structure. The incident, which occurred Tuesday afternoon, prompted a multi-department fire response. The driver and building workers, (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 22)
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Mexican national alleges punches pregnant woman in Cary while being wanted for…: Erick Angeles-Ayala, 32, who is homeless, (inset) was arrested last Wednesday evening after allegedly punching a pregnant woman in the face near the Jewel-Osco in Cary and then running from officers. | Background Photo: Google Street View; Inset: Provided A Mexican national who allegedly punched a pregnant woman in the face while being wanted on federal charges for illegally being in the United States was captured by police in Cary. The Cary Police Department arrested Erick Angeles-Ayala, 32, who is homeless, around 8:10 p.m. last Wednesday at the Jewel-Osco, 696 West Northwest Highway in Cary. An arrest report said he was charged with three counts of felony resisting a peace officer causing injury, misdemeanor obstructing identification and two counts of misdemeanor domestic battery. A criminal complaint alleges Angeles-Ayala caused bodily harm to a family or household member by punching the woman in the face with a closed fist after grabbing her by the shirt. She suffered an internal lip laceration and a swollen cheekbone. Court documents said the attack came following a heated verbal argument and the victim was four months pregnant, which Angeles-Ayala knew about. The complaint said Angeles-Ayala ran away from responding officers who were trying to arrest him. Officers had to tackle and struggle with Angeles-Ayala on the ground to place him into custody. Three officers suffered abrasions to their knees and elbows during the arrest. The complaint said Angeles-Ayala provided the officers with a fake name before he was arrested. In addition to the charges, Angeles-Ayala also had two warrants out of McHenry County for failing to appear in court. Angeles-Ayala additionally had an active failure to appear warrant for a federal criminal case. Angeles-Ayala was processed and transported to the McHenry County Jail where he remains held as of Thursday. McHenry County Judge Tiffany Davis revoked his pre-trial release in his pending cases and granted a petition to detain him in his newest case. A police report said Angeles-Ayala was also arrested by the Cary Police Department in February 2024 after he was stopped near Route 14 and Three Oaks Road. At that time, Angeles-Ayala was charged with aggravated driving under the influence and issued traffic citations. The Cary Police Department then released Angeles-Ayala to ICE for a criminal immigration warrant, the report said. Court records show the active federal case against Angeles-Ayala was first filed in January 2024 for the charge of re-entry of deported aliens. A criminal complaint said DHS records show Angeles-Ayala is a citizen of Mexico and has no claim to United States citizenship or lawful residence. Angeles-Ayala, who was previously deported from the United States back to Mexico in September 2014, was sentenced to state prison in November 2019 for a drug conviction in McHenry County. He was then deported from the United States back to Mexico in February 2020. ICE officers encountered Angeles-Ayala again in the United States again in February 2023 while he was in custody of the McHenry County Jail in Woodstock, the complaint said. Angeles-Ayala was arrested and taken into federal custody in February 2024. Prosecutors sought to have him detained but a federal judge released him on conditions with a signature bond. Angeles-Ayala pleaded guilty to the charge of reentry by deported aliens in February and a sentencing hearing was scheduled. Prosecutors sought to revoke his release in April, leading to the federal warrant being issued. The U.S. Marshals Service has lodged a detainer with McHenry County Jail for Angeles-Ayala. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Sep 25)
October 28, 2025
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Woodstock Man Dies by Electrocution in Farm Accident Near Marengo: A Woodstock man died after coming into contact with a live power line that was knocked down during grain loading operations near Marengo on Monday evening. The incident occurred along County Line Road, south of Jackson Road, involving a John Deere 9520RX tractor in unincorporated Marengo. A second individual from Hebron operating the tractor was hospitalized following the accident. Local sheriff and fire officials responded and are investigating the circumstances of the fatality. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 28)
October 21, 2025
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Man hospitalized after minivan collides with farm tractor near Hebron: A 36-year-old man sustained serious injuries and was trapped in his vehicle following a collision between a minivan and a large farm tractor on Thayer Road, west of Route 47, in unincorporated Hebron. Emergency responders from multiple agencies assisted at the scene Monday evening. The man was taken (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 21)
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Driver Cited After Crash Sends Parked Car Into Wonder Lake Home Garage: A driver in Wonder Lake was cited following a crash on Creekside Drive that resulted in a parked car overturning and crashing through a home's garage door. The incident occurred Friday morning and involved emergency response from local police and fire departments. No serious injuries were reported. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 21)
October 16, 2025
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Funeral Arrangements Announced for Navy Veteran Found Deceased in Woodstock Home: Authorities are investigating the death of John Casciaro, a 64-year-old U.S. Navy veteran, who was found dead in his Woodstock residence on Bull Valley Drive. Emergency responders were called to the scene for a medical emergency, and police are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding his (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 16)
October 15, 2025
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Coroner Releases Name of Teen Killed in Fiery Crash Near Marengo: A 19-year-old woman from Janesville, Wisconsin, was identified by the McHenry County Coroner after dying in a car crash on River Road in unincorporated Marengo. The vehicle struck a tree, came to rest against a house, and caught fire Monday evening. A man in the car was seriously injured. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 15)
October 13, 2025
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Authorities Seek Owners of Two Horses Found Wandering Near Woodstock: The McHenry County Sheriff's Office is asking for assistance in identifying the owners of two mares discovered early Monday morning on a property in unincorporated Woodstock. The horses were found near the 3100 block of Vermont Road and are being held temporarily while officials attempt to locate wh (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 13)
October 12, 2025
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Man Airlifted After Serious Fall From Garage Roof Near Woodstock: Emergency crews responded to a residence on Deerpath Road in unincorporated Woodstock after a man fell 10 to 12 feet from a detached garage roof while working. The incident occurred Saturday morning, and the man was transported by helicopter to a hospital in critical condition. Local fire officials, (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 12)
October 7, 2025
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Man Identified After Death Investigation at Woodstock Residence: Authorities have identified a 64-year-old man found deceased in a home on Bull Valley Drive in Woodstock. The incident, which occurred Monday afternoon, led to a significant police response as officers conducted a death investigation. Emergency responders were initially called for a medical issue, a (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 7)
October 2, 2025
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House Fire Near Woodstock Displaces Residents and Dozens of Animals: A kitchen fire in a rural home on Davis Road near Woodstock led to the displacement of two residents and the discovery of several dozen animals inside the property. Multiple fire departments responded to the scene Wednesday evening. The area lacked nearby fire hydrants, complicating the response. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 2)
October 1, 2025
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Federal Agents Detain Previously Deported Individual in McHenry County: Federal authorities have taken a 49-year-old Woodstock resident into custody in McHenry County, alleging unlawful reentry into the United States after prior deportation to Mexico. The individual faces a federal charge related to reentering the country without legal documentation, according to court, (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 1)
September 13, 2025
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Two Workers Hospitalized After Carbon Monoxide Exposure at Woodstock Construction: Emergency crews responded to a construction site in the Riverwoods subdivision of Woodstock, where two workers were exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide. One worker was airlifted in critical condition, while the other was also hospitalized. The incident was linked to a pressure washer used in a (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Sep 13)
September 12, 2025
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Motorcyclist killed in collision with pickup truck in Spring Grove: A man riding a motorcycle died after a pickup truck turned in front of him at the intersection of Sunset Road and East Applewood Lane in Spring Grove. Emergency responders pronounced the rider dead at the scene. The incident occurred Wednesday afternoon and is under investigation by local police. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Sep 12)