Two Lake County police departments said they used their K-9 partners this month to resolve potentially dangerous situations through the special skills of police dogs.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said its K-9 Lux tracked a man and then helped take him into custody after an incident in Beach Park.
Police said they were called in the early morning of Oct. 16 for a report of an unwanted subject who had fled after committing a battery. Deputy John Forlenza and Lux were called in to assist in the search.
The police dog led officers to a nearby shed, where the suspect was hiding. When the man refused to come out, Lux moved in, allowing officers to arrest the suspect.
The man allegedly struck Lux multiple times, but the dog was not injured. The man is facing numerous charges.
Wauconda Police Officer Mike Nardulli and K-9 Skye assisted authorities in finding a potentially suicidal subject on Oct. 15. The person had reportedly fled into a heavily wooded area and was reported to be under the influence of drugs and was threatening to commit suicide with a handgun.
Skye was able to pick up the scent and led the police across a swamp area to locate the missing person, who was unconscious. The person was brought to a hospital for mental health treatment, police said.
Meanwhile, Zion police say their new K-9 Creed is training for duty at the TOPS training program. Creed is expected to hit the streets by the end of the year and will be paired with Officer Connor Lima.
Scam warning
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the United Way of Lake County are warning residents to be aware of a scam involving callers who say they are with 211 Lake County, which connects people in need of various social services.
Authorities say the would-be scammers reach out to people, offering to help them pay bills, but then ask for money.
They offer the following tips to protect yourself: Hang up if someone asks for money or personal financial info; block the number on your phone; and report the call to 211 Lake County (Dial 2-1-1 or 1-855-677-5253).
You can also report scams to the Federal Trade Commission or your local police.
Halloween warning
Mundelein police announced that they will be extra vigilant this Halloween season for motorists whose reckless or impaired driving can create a tragedy.
The tips are timeless, and we’ve all heard them. But they are still relevant. Make plans in advance for a safe way home if you are going to a party. Use a designated driver, taxi or rideshare service. Use your community’s sober ride program if available. If you see an impaired motorist, alert police as soon as it’s safe.
And, if you see someone who is impaired and planning to drive, take their keys and help them find a safe way home.
Coffee with a Cop
Zion police will host a Coffee with a Cop event on Nov. 8, from 8-11 a.m., at the Starbucks, 4570 Illinois Route 173.
It’s a chance to informally interact with officers, ask questions and share whatever’s on your mind.
Motorcycle death
A Lake Villa man died Wednesday from injuries he sustained in a motorcycle accident earlier this month in Grayslake, the Lake County Coroner’s Office said.
Nathan Levandowski, 19, died at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, the coroner’s office said.
Levandowski was brought to Condell on Oct. 9, after he was found in the 2100 block of North Drury Lane.
Authorities say it appears he was traveling northeast on the road when he failed to negotiate a curve. He struck a curb with his Kawasaki 650 sport bike, and he and the bike travelled about 40 feet off the road, police said.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/24/law-order-column-lake-county-agencies-call-on-their-k-9s/