Authorities say that they have charged a Zion man for an armed robbery of a fast-food restaurant in Beach Park.
Shane L. Lones, 41, of the 1800 block of Jethro Avenue, was arrested by Lake County Sheriff’s Office detectives on May 23, the day after the robbery in the 38900 block of North Lewis.
Police said that a man entered the restaurant at about 7:35 p.m. on May 22 and produced a knife before taking money from the cash register and fleeing. Neither employee at the business was hurt.
Detectives traced several leads that indicated Lones was the perpetrator, including security camera footage that shows Lones entering a nearby vehicle after the hold-up, police said. The following day, detectives found Lones in his car near his residence and took him into custody.
A subsequent search turned up clothing police say Lones wore during the robbery. He has been charged with one count of armed robbery, and was ordered detained until trial, according to court records.
Master’s degree
Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek recently earned her master’s degree in health administration, which she said she hopes will help her perform her duties.
Banek, who is an advanced practice nurse, completed her degree through George Washington University.
“As both an advanced practice nurse and a public official, I pursued this degree to better advocate for systemic improvements, enhance interagency coordination, and bring forward-thinking leadership to my office and to Lake County as a whole,” she said.
Lake County Board Chairman Sandy Hart lauded the coroner.
“Jennifer’s pursuit of an MHA is a testament to her commitment to strengthening public health infrastructure in Lake County,” Hart said. “Her clinical background, combined with advanced administrative training, gives her a unique and powerful perspective as our coroner.”
State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said Banek’s investment in advanced education, “shows the kind of proactive leadership that builds stronger, healthier communities. We applaud her initiative and look forward to even deeper collaboration between our departments.”
Police podcast
Grayslake Police Chief Jeff Myrha is the guest on the latest episode of the “Discovering Grayslake” podcast.
Myhra, according to the podcast, discusses his life in law enforcement, and “his passion for fostering a safe, connected community.”
Myhra was appointed chief in August 2024 after serving as deputy chief for 10 years. He started as a community service officer in 1997, and worked his way up through the ranks before replacing Phil Perlini, who retired.
A link to the podcast is available on the Grayslake police Facebook page.
Lifesavers
The city of Highland Park held a reception to recognize the law enforcement, first responders and medical professionals who provided emergency care to a man suffering a heart attack this spring.
The city presented commendations to Office Ginger Stokes and dentist Dr. Michael Czarkowski, and recognized the professionalism and lifesaving contributions of Highland Park firefighter/EMTs Kevin Best, Andrew Beverly, Trevor Mount, and Nick Traske, and Dr. Benjamin Feinzimer of Endeavor Health’s Physician Response Vehicle Program.
August Swanenberg, who suffered the medical emergency and is recovering, was on hand at the City Council chambers. He was leaving the Chicago Botanical Garden on March 11 when he suffered a cardiac event while driving. Stokes used her department-issued defibrillator and, along with bystanders, including Czarkowski and paramedics, was able to re-establish Swanenberg’s heartbeat.
“I am one lucky bird,” Swanenberg told the City Council and members of the audience at the May 27 event.
