A Lake County sheriff’s deputy narrowly avoided injury when a motorist struck his squad car while the officer was engaged in a traffic stop in Deer Park.
The incident happened Sunday at around 8:30 p.m. on U.S. Route 12 near Long Grove Road, the sheriff’s office said.
The deputy had arrived at the location to back up another officer who had made a traffic stop. The second deputy had just opened his car door to exit, when a vehicle driven by an 80-year-old Park Ridge man struck the deputy’s door, almost hitting the officer.
Both deputies had activated the emergency lights on their vehicles, police said. Neither the deputy nor the man was injured.
The elderly man was cited for violating Scott’s Law. The act requires drivers to reduce their speed and switch lanes if possible when approaching police cars or fire equipment along roadways.
Liberty Bell awards
A veteran Illinois Department of Children and Family Services administrator and an organization that provides legal services to immigrants were recognized during the annual Liberty Bell ceremony Tuesday.
The Liberty Bell awards are given by the 19th Judicial Circuit to recognize people and groups that have contributed to the efficient administration of justice in Lake County.
Pamela Foster-King, who has served as the area administrator for DCFS in Lake County, was recognized for her 31 years of service. She has worked in child protective services in Lake County for decades, including many years spent with a task force for the Lake County Child Advocacy Center.
Mano a Mano Family Resource Center was also recognized. The group was founded in 2000 to provide services to immigrant families in the Round Lake Park area. Over the years. its services expanded to include legal counsel for those seeking to immigrate. It also helps victims of human trafficking and domestic violence.
“The Liberty Bell Awards honor those who help foster a better understanding of the rule of law, encourage a greater respect for the law and courts, stimulate a sense of civic responsibility and contribute to good government in the community. This year’s winners demonstrate these qualities, and we are pleased to honor them,” said Deputy Chief Judge Patricia Fix, who presided over the ceremony at Waukegan City Hall.
Drug Take Back Day
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will take place on April 27 at several locations around Lake County.
People are encouraged to visit one of the Take Back locations between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to turn in prescription medications that are expired, unused or unwanted. Safely disposing of the medications prevents them from being stolen or abused. Flushing drugs or throwing them into the garbage can have unintended environmental consequences, according to the DEA.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lake Zurich, Lake Forest and Wauconda police departments, are among the local law enforcement agencies participating. The Lovell Federal Health Care Center will also participate. For locations, visit www.DEAtakeback.com
Burglary arrest
Police arrested a man they say was breaking into vehicles and trailers near Libertyville this month.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office charged Gregory A. Williams, Jr., 40, of Lakemoor. Police said he and another man were breaking into trailers and other vehicles early on April 15 in the 19100 block of Illinois Route 137.
Police said they were called around 2:05 a.m. by the property owner, who said he was monitoring surveillance cameras at the site when he saw the two men. Williams was taken into custody by officers and another man ran off, though police said they have ascertained his identity and will seek a warrant for his arrest.
Burglary tools were recovered near a trailer that had been broken into, police said. Williams was charged with two counts of burglary and one count of possession of burglary tools, police said.
