State finds January shooting involving Elgin cop to be justified
The Illinois State Police Public Integrity Task Force has determined the non-fatal shooting involving an Elgin police office in January was justified and no criminal charges will be filed by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.
The case involved Officer Fernando Camacho responding to a call about 1:30 a.m. Jan. 13 about a suicidal person at a home in the 900 block of Oak Ridge Boulevard, an Elgin Police Department news release said.
In all incidents involving a police officer using deadly force, task force and State’s Attorney Office conduct independent investigations.
According to reports, Camacho arrived to the home to find a 29-year-old man with wounds to his neck and torso. He attempted to assist the victim, who struggled and grabbed a knife with which he first stabbed himself and then turned on the officer. Camacho fired his weapon as the man came at him and then rendered aid, the report said.
Camacho was placed on paid administrative leave while the investigation was conducted.
An independent, internal investigation will now be held to determine if all police department policies were followed, Elgin Police Chief Ana Lalley said in the release.
Video from the officer’s body worn camera can be seen at elgin.app.box.com/s/mibp081019vbu3am6plf2jrg6rxofet6.
Black & Gray downsizing taproom, East Side Café moving in
Black & Gray Brewing in downtown East Dundee is downsizing its taproom, with the additional space created to be occupied by the Eastside Café.
The craft brewery made the announcement via a Facebook post. The owners said they finalized a deal with their landlord to reduce their square footage because of post-pandemic market conditions, including changes in drinking habits and less discretionary spending by consumers.
Eastside Café owners will be moving their coffee and wine bar business from their current location at 316 N. River St.
For more information, go to www.facebook.com/blackandgraybrewing.
Wing Park Family Aquatic Center will be hosting an island night pool party Friday night. (Mike Danahey/The Courier-News)
Island Night being held Friday at Wing Park Family Aquatic Center
Wing Park Family Aquatic Center will be hosting an island night pool party from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 26.
The evening will feature tropical music, performances and giveaways, according to a post on the Elgin Parks and Recreation Department Facebook page. Regular admission rates apply.
The aquatic center is at 1030 Wing St., Elgin. For more information call 847-289-2542.
Cone with a Cop, backpack/school supply giveaway in South Elgin
The South Elgin Police Department will be serving ice cream cones and distributing backpacks filled with school supplies from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 25, at the Bear Family McDonald’s, 100 N. McLean Blvd., South Elgin.
Backpacks will be available in limited quantities and given away on a first-come, first-served basis, according to a village of South Elgin social media post. Those who attend are asked to bring tabs from beverage cans to help raise funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities.
For more information, call 847-741-2151.
East Dundee to hold Thursday groundbreaking for parking deck
The village of East Dundee will hold a groundbreaking ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 25, for its new parking garage with retail space at 304 Hill St.
Village President Jeff Lynam and other elected officials will attend and Raue Center Executive Director Richard Kuranda will deliver remarks at the event, according to a news release. McHugh Construction Co. will have a booth to share information about the project and the construction timeline.
The two-level garage will feature more than 130 parking spaces, including dedicated spots for electric vehicle charging and handicapped access. Additionally, more than 6,000 square feet of commercial/retail space will be built as part of the structure facing River Street.
The ceremony takes place in advance of the village’s Thirsty Thursday event, scheduled for 6 to 9 p.m. outside The Depot, 319 N. River St. The free event will feature live music from the Lounge Puppets and food and beverages sold by local businesses.
For more information, email eastdundee@eastdundee.net or call 847-426-2822.
Animated kids’ film ‘Cars’ to be shown Friday at Festival Park
Elgin’s free outdoor movie this week will the animated children’s film “Cars,” which will start after dark on Friday, July 26, in Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Ave.
Other upcoming free movies include “The Little Mermaid” on Friday, Aug. 2, at Meier Park, 3770 Gansett Parkway; “Zootopia” on Tuesday, Aug. 6, at Festival Park; “A Bug’s Life” on Friday, Aug. 16, at Rolling Knolls, 11N260 Rohrssen Road; “Coco” in Spanish on Friday, Aug. 23, at Drake Field, 701 Hastings St.; and “Marvels” on Friday, Aug. 30, in Festival Park.
Elgin also is showing free movies on Saturday nights on the south lawn of The Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way. The schedule includes a double feature of the Adam Sandler movies “50 First Dates” and “Happy Gilmore” on Aug. 17; “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” on Aug. 24; and “Instructions Not Included” in Spanish with English subtitles on Sept. 7.
Activities in advance of the movies start at 6 p.m. Food trucks will be onsite.
For more information, go to elginil.gov/1775/Summer-Movies-in-the-Park and elginil.gov/2620/Movies-on-the-Lawn.
