A police-involved shooting in Highwood, Illinois, on Thursday tragically resulted in the death of one individual, according to a statement from the Lake County Major Crimes Task Force. This incident unfolded after law enforcement responded to a domestic dispute situation in the north suburbs.
Chopper 7 captured aerial footage of the scene around 5:30 p.m., revealing a residence on the 200-block of Green Bay Road encircled with crime scene tape. The tense situation reportedly began when Highwood police received a call requesting a well-being check on a man described as highly intoxicated and suicidal.
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The caller, a relative who was not present at the scene, informed 911 that the man’s ex-girlfriend was inside the house with him. Upon arriving, officers discovered the man had barricaded himself in a bathroom. According to a police news release, the man declared he was armed and expressed a hope that the officers were wearing protective vests.
The situation escalated when the man suddenly emerged from the bathroom wielding a pistol aimed at the officers. In response, one officer discharged their firearm, striking the man. He was promptly taken to a hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
“Upon arrival, officers learned the man had locked himself inside a bathroom,” a news release from Highwood police read in part. “The man stated he was armed and said he hoped the officers were wearing their vests. The man then abruptly exited the bathroom armed with a pistol, pointed in the officers’ direction, at which time one officer discharged their firearm, striking the man.”
The man was taken to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, police said.
Investigators recovered what appeared to be a “replica pistol.”
The officer involved in the shooting was taken to a hospital for evaluation, officials said.
No further information was available as the Lake County Major Crime Task Force continues to investigate.
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.
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