Round Lake police officers arrested a reputed gang member who they say was armed with a loaded handgun.
Javier Lopez, 33, of Hainesville, was charged with multiple counts, including weapons charges, during the incident early on Nov. 22. Police said they came upon a van parked in front of an establishment that sells liquor in the 300 block of Cedar Lake Road at about 1:24 a.m.
Police said Lopez appeared to be slumped over the steering wheel of the van. An officer checking on Lopez’s well-being said he noticed that Lopez had a gun in his right hand, resting in his lap.
Officers ordered Lopez out of the van. But he became belligerent and repeatedly told officers to shoot him. Eventually an officer used his Taser to incapacitate Lopez, and other officers took him into custody.
He was brought to a hospital for observation before being placed back into custody. Police said Lopez has a criminal record and is a convicted felon, as well as a documented street gang member.
“This is yet another example of the type of high-risk incident our officers may face at any given moment,” the department said in a news release. “Our well-trained police force remains steadfast in its commitment to serve and safeguard the community, responding to calls for service with courage and professionalism.”
Coach killing plea
One of the men charged in the killing of Niolis Collazo may be nearing a plea deal with Lake County prosecutors, according to court records.
Yahir Torrecilla is expected to appear in court on Dec. 11, and he may plead in the shooting death of the former Waukegan High School volleyball standout.
Details of a prospective plea deal were not available.
Torrecilla and Davide Dejesus were both charged with first-degree murder in Collazo’s death. She was shot on May 6, 2023, near 10th Street and Lewis Avenue as she drove home from a dinner with friends.
At the time, Torrecilla was 17 and Dejesus was 16, but both were charged as adults. Dejesus is awaiting trial and is next due back in court in January.
Collazo had just started working with students at Waukegan High School as a mentor and counselor, and she was also coaching the freshman volleyball team.
Chief graduates
Round Lake Park Police Chief Dan Burch recently graduated from the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety, earning a certificate in executive management.
“Chief Burch has dedicated his entire career to serving the citizens of Round Lake Park and continues to invest his time and energy in furthering his professional development,” the village said in a social media post. “The men and women of RLPPD are proud to follow his guidance and leadership as we proudly serve all residents alongside him.”
Child porn arrest
A Wauconda man has been arrested for possessing child pornography after police searched his home.
Ronald A. Justus, 61, of the 300 block of Osage Street, was arrested on four felony counts after the search of his residence on Tuesday.
Police said they received a tip from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force that led to an investigation and the issuance of the search warrant.
Authorities took possession of a number of electronic devices during the search, and child sexual abuse images were found, police said.
“Crimes involving the exploitation of children are among the most serious we investigate,” Chief David Wermes said. “We will pursue every resource available to ensure those who prey on children are held accountable.”
