Fox Lake Shooting: Police Officer Dead, Schools On Lockdown As Authorities Search For Suspects


A Fox Lake, Illinois, police officer was shot and killed while responding to reports of suspicious activity. Authorities confirmed three suspects, two white males and one black male, fled the scene and are currently at large. Officials urged residents to stay inside their homes, as the shooting suspects are considered armed and dangerous.

Lake County Sheriff’s Department Detective Chris Covelli confirmed the officer was dispatched to the Fox Lake suburb to investigate three men who were reportedly involved in suspicious activity.

Shortly after arriving on scene, the officer reported he was in a “foot pursuit” of the suspects. However, he eventually ceased communication with dispatchers and his colleagues. As reported by Chicago Tribune, the Fox Lake police officer was shot and killed before his backup arrived on scene.

Lake County Undersheriff Raymond Rose confirmed the fallen officer was “found in a marshy area, stripped of his gun and other gear.” As reported by ABC 7 Chicago, authorities have initiated an extensive search of Fox Lake and the surrounding region.

Officials from numerous agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and United States Marshals, are assisting the Fox Lake Police Department in their search of several locations — including “a wooded area near the scene.”

Amid the search, authorities have closed Rollins Road between Route 59 and Grand Avenue. A portion of the frontage road near U.S. 12 is also closed at this time.

Superintendent Christy Sefcik confirmed Grant Community High School is currently on hard lockdown. Gavin South and Central and St. Bede schools are currently on soft lockdown status.

Authorities have also closed the Metra Milwaukee District North Line. A representative confirmed outbound passengers are being rerouted to the Fox Lake and Ingleside stations.

Detective Chris Covelli said law enforcement officials are “asking all area residents to remain inside.” However, residents are urged to “report any suspicious activity, any suspicious people, by dialing 911.”

Although his identity was not confirmed, CNN reports the officer is a 32-year veteran of the force.

The investigation into the Fox Lake police officer shooting is ongoing.

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