Veteran Fox Lake police officer killed

By Samantha Fetzner

Reporter

FOX LAKE – On the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 1, Lieutenant Charles Joseph Gliniewicz was gunned down and killed in the line of duty.

Gliniewicz had been on the force for 30 years and had previously served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army.

Lt. Gliniewicz was 52-years-old and in his death left behind his wife and four children. His death marks the first on-duty death in the history of the Fox Lake Police Department.

According to the dispatch Lt. Gliniewicz radioed in to on the morning of his death, he was pursuing three males; two white, one black, whom struck the officer as acting suspicious near the intersection of Route 12 and Sayton Road in Fox Lake.

The area the tragedy took place in is described as rather desolate with a lot of empty fields and abandoned buildings. Lt. Gliniewicz was pursing the three men on foot when he lost connection with dispatchers. His body was found by responding officers coming in for back up just after 8 a.m.

The two responding officers immediately began to search for the suspects. When the fallen Lieutenant was found, his firearm was missing.

As of Thursday, Sept. 3, whether or not Gliniewicz was killed by his own weapon had not yet been divulged. A manhunt was launched almost instantly after his body was discovered and utilized over 400 additional police focusing on an area of approximately two square miles.

The search concluded over 14 hours later at 10:30 p.m. The firearm was recovered near the scene on Thursday, Sept. 3, but the suspects have remained at large.

The manhunt for the three men has continued with reduced manpower and a large radius through Thursday, Sept. 3. Neighborhoods throughout the town continue to be canvassed by officers in search of the three men. Police are contacting local businesses and homeowners in search of any potential clues or security footage.

As of Thursday, Sept. 3, one homeowner’s security camera footage had been sent to Homeland Security for review.

In addition to Fox Lake Police, U.S. Marshals, ATF, FBI, the Illinois State Police, officers throughout the Northern Illinois area, and SWAT teams were assisting in search efforts.

On Wednesday, Sept. 2, Fox Lake schools were closed to ensure the safety of staff and students alike.

Police presence remains increased while the subjects are still at large. Community members held a vigil in remembrance of the fallen Lieutenant on the evening of Wednesday, Sept. 2 at Lakefront Park.

Masses of people, many holding signs with “G.I. Joe”, a nickname the Lieutenant held, showed their support publicly throughout the day and at the vigil itself.

A press conference was held on Thursday, Sept. 3 and the hunt had no signs of slowing down.

His family, alongside fellow officers and an outpouring of the community, stood tall in their belief that the men responsible for the murder of Lt. Gliniewicz would be found soon.

Funeral arrangements have been determined for the fallen officer. His visitation will take place at Antioch Community High School, located at 1133 Main St., on Monday, Sept. 7 beginning at 9 a.m.

A funeral will follow beginning at 1 p.m. and the procession will lead attendees to Hillside East Cemetery following the service. Burial will be at 450 E. Depot St. in Antioch.

Anyone with leads regarding the at-large suspects in this case are strongly encouraged to call local police, 911, or the Lake County Sheriff’s office at (847) 549-5200 as quickly as possible. Tips can also be sent to Fox Lake Police Department at (847) 587-3100.

Lieutenant Gliniewicz will be sorely missed by many.