FOX LAKE, Illinois — Immediately following the initial response of yesterday’s events, a massive search effort was conducted in an effort to apprehend the three suspects wanted for the murder of a Fox Lake Police Officer.
The primary search area consisted of an approximately 2 square mile area. In addition to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Fox Lake Police Department, the search included numerous local law enforcement officers from northern Illinois, Illinois State Police, and federal agencies.
The search also involved multiple local and federal SWAT Teams, 48 canine units, and six air support units.
The suspects could have left town or the state, Officials said. But the investigation continues.
The slain Officer has been identified as Charles “G.I. Joe” Gliniewicz, a 32-year veteran of the force. He was a husband and a father of four.
The shooting happened following a traffic stop involving a suspicious vehicle and the Officer did call for backup prior to the shooting.
The Officer indicated he was in a foot pursuit before his radio lost contact.
Back-up Officers arrived and found their fellow officer in a marshy area, stripped of his gun, pepper spray and other gear. The Officer died on the scene from his injuries.
From NBC Chicago: The 52-year-old officer was on the cusp of retirement when he was gunned down, according to Joe Ahern, CEO of the 100 Club of Chicago. Gliniewicz planned to retire last month, but the police chief asked him to stay one extra month to help out, Ahern said.
Gliniewicz was known as a “family man” and a youth mentor with an unmatched dedication to his community, according to Village of Fox Lake Mayor Donny Schmit, who also said Gliniewicz was a “dear friend.”
Police say they are searching for three suspects, a black male and 2 white males.
The search lasted approximately 14 hours. As of just after 10:00PM the perimeter has been released and the scene has been turned over to the Lake County Major Crime Task Force (LCMCTF). LCMCTF will be the lead agency conducting this investigation.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Illinois State Police (ISP) will actively maintain saturation patrols in the Fox Lake Area. LCSO, ISP, and other police agencies will have an increased presence at all area schools.
From village of Fox Lake: Yesterday we lost a member of our family and continue to mourn the loss of a father, husband, friend and a man who was a shining example of what it means to be a public servant. The loss of Lt. Charles Joseph Gliniewicz has left a large void in our community. A void that can never be filled. The Fox Lake Community has come together as one. Our hearts are very heavy as we hold close to us the memories of what an amazing person “G.I. Joe” was. We, as a community, will never forget.
The Village of Fox Lake will hold a solemn vigil this evening at Lakefront Park to honor the memory of Fox Lake Police Lieutenant Joe Gliniewicz.
Lt. Gliniewicz, an Antioch High School graduate, joined the Fox Lake Police Department as a patrol officer in 1985. He was promoted to sergeant in 1994. In 2006, he was promoted to his current rank of lieutenant.
During his 30-year career, Lt. Gliniewicz was an invaluable member of the Fox Lake Police Department, having served as a SWAT Team member, evidence technician, K9 handler and a range supervisor. During his career, he received several commendations and awards, including the Medal of Valor and a life saving award.
“The outpouring of support for Joe and for the Fox Lake Police Department from residents has given us all the strength to carry on during a very sad time in Fox Lake,” said Fox Lake Mayor Donny Schmit. “Tonight, we will all gather as one community to show Joe’s family how much he was loved and how much he will be missed.”
