Deputy hospitalized amid response to mental health crisis in Libertyville, sheriff says

LIBERTYVILLE, Illinois. (WLS) -- A deputy was hospitalized on Monday after he was attacked with bear spray while responding to a mental health crisis in Libertyville.

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Lake County Sheriff's Office responded to the call at about 7:10 a.m. in the 200-block of Pond Ridge Road.

Authorities said they were going to try to take a 41-year-old man into custody and transport him into a designated mental health facility for evaluation.

The man was allegedly showing concerning behavior, including paranoia, punching holes in the walls, lack of sleep, the sheriff said.

Deputies entered the bedroom after talking with him through a closed bedroom door.

However, the man allegedly attacked deputies with a a large canister of bear spray.

Deputies used a stun gun to subdue the man and took him into custody. He was taken to an area hospital for treatment, where he allegedly kicked a nurse.

A deputy was sprayed at close range and was taken to an area hospital for treatment. Six other deputies were treated at the scene.

The sheriff's office will seek criminal charges in the case.

"Our staff routinely place themselves in harm's way while trying to help people during their most difficult moments. Mental health writs are inherently unpredictable, and this incident underscores those risks. I'm incredibly proud of the deputies on scene for remaining calm, professional, and focused on safety, and I am hoping for a fast recovery of our hospitalized deputy," Sheriff John D. Idleburg said.

If you are experiencing suicidal, substance use or other mental health crises please call or text the new three digit code at 988. You will reach a trained crisis counselor for free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also go to 988lifeline.org or dial the current toll free number 800-273-8255 [TALK].