A Zion man is facing charges after he battered his pregnant girlfriend and then caused a four-car accident when he ran a red light while fleeing police, authorities said.
Felix James Jr., 22, of 1900 block of Midday Drive, was charged with aggravated battery to a pregnant woman, aggravated fleeing and eluding, and several traffic counts after the Wednesday evening incident that started in the Grayslake area.
At around 5 p.m., Lake County sheriff’s deputies were called to the 18500 block of West Old Gages Lake Road for a report of a domestic battery. When officers arrived, the caller told them that James had battered her and her pregnant 19-year-old daughter.
He and his girlfriend had driven away just before police arrived. A short time later, police received calls of James continuing to hit the girlfriend as they drove near the intersection of Hunt Club Road and Illinois Route 120.
Police pursued the vehicle as it traveled north on Milwaukee Avenue. The car disregarded a red light at the intersection with Washington Street and collided with another vehicle, and then hit another car, which struck a fourth vehicle.
The other drivers suffered minor injuries. The girlfriend was brought to a hospital for treatment and evaluation. James, who suffered minor injuries, was treated and then jailed.
Kittens rescued
Three kittens have a new lease on life after North Chicago firefighters rescued them from a porta-potty.
Firefighters were alerted on July 9 that someone apparently dumped the kittens into the waste-filled receptacle.
Firefighters and Battalion Chief Thomas Deiken were able to retrieve the kittens. They were then brought back to the fire station, where they received food and thorough baths.
All three have since been adopted, according to North Chicago.
“We urge the public to take responsibility where all lives are concerned,” Fire Chief John Umek said. “In cases where pets are no longer wanted, please see that they are surrendered to a shelter or organization that can see to their proper care and adoption.”
North Chicago Police said they are investigating the incident.
Victim identified
The Lake County Coroner’s Office identified the McHenry man who was killed July 15 when his car was struck by a train near Ingleside.
Randy Koppen, 70, died of blunt force injuries, according to the coroner.
His car was hit by a Metra commuter train at about 7:35 a.m. at the rail crossing near Wilson Road and Larkin Lane intersection. According to the rail agency, Koppen drove around the crossing gates and onto the tracks before his car was struck.
Koppen, who was pronounced dead at the scene, was the sole occupant of his vehicle, authorities said.
Police academy
Zion police are accepting registration for the next session of its citizens police academy.
The 10-week session is tentatively scheduled to run from Sept. 17 through Nov. 26, and will be limited to 20 participants.
The academy is for people who are interested in building better community relations with police, or just want to learn more about police operations and policies.
Participants, who must be 18 or older, will get a first-hand look at how the department operates. Weekly sessions will focus on topics like community policing, use of force guidelines and evidence collection. There will also be training on the department’s virtual simulator.
The application deadline is Aug. 13. For registration and additional information, go to the Zion police Facebook page or to the cityofzion.com website.
Back to school
Summer is speeding along and the start of the 2024-25 school year is fast approaching.
The Gurnee police, fire and public works departments are partnering with the mayor’s office for a school kickoff event called “Safety Stars & Dilly Bars,” which is scheduled for Aug. 16, from 5-7 p.m. at Riverside Plaza, 401 N. Riverside Drive.
The free back-to-school bash will feature interactive games, free dilly bars from Dairy Queen, along with the chance to meet and interact with community leaders.