Manhunt underway in Fox Lake, Illinois, after officer fatally shot
FOX LAKE, Ill. -- A manhunt is underway in far north suburban Fox Lake for three men after a police officer was fatally shot Tuesday.
Police said the suspects - two white males and one black male - should be considered armed and dangerous.
A Fox Lake police officer had radioed that he was in a foot pursuit with three suspicious people near Route 12 and Sayton Road when he was shot just before 8 a.m. local time. A backup officer found the officer injured.
The Lake County Sheriff's Department identified the slain officer as Lt. Charles Joseph Gliniewicz, a 32-year veteran of the force and married father of four sons in their teens and early 20s. He went by Joe and was nicknamed "G.I. Joe."
He was also a leader of the Fox Lake Police Department Explorer Post, which helps mentor young people interested in careers in law enforcement, and an Army veteran who served in active duty and reserve from 1980 to 2007.
"Today Fox Lake didn't just lose a family member, I lost a very dear friend," Fox Lake Mayor Donny Schmit said. "Many residents here knew him as G.I. Joe and remember him as someone deeply committed to Fox Lake, to the profession and his fellow officers."
Officers were seen searching a wooded area near the scene for several hours. Canine units were brought in from various jurisdictions, including McHenry County.
The search has been centered around Routes 12 and 59 with a loose perimeter, meaning no specific area has been shut down. Officers have responded to various reports of sightings throughout the afternoon, but none so far have been officially confirmed.
Metra officials said the tracks near the Ingleside station are closed to southbound traffic due to the investigation.
Grant Community High School is on hard lockdown. Superintendent Christy Sefcik said the school went on lockdown around 8:30 a.m. She said all students and staff are being kept away from exterior glass and out of view.
Residents should take caution and call 911 if they see anything suspicious.
Fox Lake is about 55 miles north of Chicago.
