Chicago murder suspect in custody after lengthy manhunt in Lake Barrington: sheriff's deputy
A woman is also in custody, and police recovered two firearms, officials said.
BARRINGTON, Ill. (WLS) -- A Chicago murder suspect is now in custody after a lengthy manhunt in Lake Barrington on Tuesday, Lake County Sheriff's Deputy Christopher Covelli said.
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The Lake County Sheriff's Office said the suspect, a 38-year-old man, was driving a pickup truck with a female passenger inside when he rear-ended another vehicle at Route 14 at Pepper Road in Lake Barrington around 12:30 p.m.
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Witnesses told sheriff's deputies that the suspect fled the scene on foot. Covelli described him as possibly armed and dangerous.
Several people were watching the aftermath of the crash when police turned their attention to a woman standing by them talking with them.
"They started coming toward us and took her away," one witness said.
The woman appeared to try to blend in with onlookers after the crash, Lake County Sheriff's Deputy Christopher Covelli, but police located her at a nearby gas station about 90 minutes into their search.
ABC7 blurred her face while she was placed into police custody, pending possible charges.
The woman is in police custody, and police recovered two firearms, including one from a bathroom at the gas station, Covelli said. The sheriff's office believes that gun belongs to the woman or the suspect.
Authorities searched for the suspect for several hours on Tuesday evening, and Covelli said they had established a perimeter around the scene.
Police from numerous surrounding jurisdictions, drones and K-9 units participated in the search for the suspect. An aircraft from Illinois State Police went to the scene to help with the search as well.
Covelli had asked people in the area of Route 14 at Pepper Road to remain vigilant earlier Tuesday.
"We are concerned he could be armed. Don't approach him," Covelli said.
Covelli said K-9 units started moving from the west side of the perimeter to the east side of the perimeter around 6 p.m.
Authorities found the suspect in an industrial zone and ordered him to stop, but he fled on foot, eventually running southbound onto Pepper Road.
A deputy chased the suspect into a building occupied by workers in the industrial zone. Authorities were able to evacuate the workers, but the suspect barricaded himself inside an office.
"One of our deputies was able to give chase. He ran inside of an occupied building, though," Covelli said. "Our sheriff's deputies and our municipal partners were able to evacuate those that were working in the building as we didn't know if this individual was armed or what his intent was."
Negotiators spoke with the suspect for an extended period of time, and he eventually opened the door just after 8 p.m., Covelli said.
Authorities did not provide further information about the Chicago murder the suspect is wanted for.
Barrington 220 School District said Countryside Elementary, Roslyn Road Elementary, Barrington High School, and the District Administrative Center were placed in Secure the Building & Teach mode on Tuesday afternoon out of an abundance of caution.
"This means there is a police situation outside these buildings that requires all persons to remain inside the building. Access to these buildings is also prohibited at this time. All students and staff are safe and class is continuing as normal," the district said in a message to families.
Students have since been released to their guardians.
