Investigators combed neighborhoods north of Chicago on Tuesday in a massive manhunt for three suspects accused of shooting dead a police officer.
The shooting happened about 10 minutes before 8 a.m., after Lt. Joe Gliniewicz sent word over his radio that he was pursuing three suspects on foot, Lake County Sheriff’s Sgt. Christopher Covelli said.
Radio communication dropped off and backup officers were sent. They found the officer with a gunshot wound.
Gliniewicz worked for Fox Lake Police, a community of about 60,000 people in Lake County, about 60 miles north of Chicago. He was a 30-year veteran, Fox Lake Mayor Donny Schmit told reporters.
“He loved his community and loved his job, and he will be very sorely missed in this community,” said Catherine “Kay” Starostovic, Grant Township supervisor.
The hunt for the suspects — described by Covelli as two white men and one black man — put at least four schools on lockdown and left people barricaded in their homes in Lake County, Illinois.
Covelli told CNN on Tuesday afternoon that a report that one suspect was in custody was inaccurate.
Law enforcement on foot and in helicopters were combing the area, according to the Sheriff.
Canine units have also been dispatched. U.S Marshal officials and agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are assisting.
No-fly zone over search area
Residents have been asked to remain inside their homes and businesses, officials said.
“We asked residents to report any suspicious activity they happen to see, whether they think it’s something minor or major and to keep an eye out for these three individuals,” Covelli said.
The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a no-fly zone that covers two nautical miles over the search area.
