Kankakee County, IL – Two individuals are facing criminal charges after authorities say they unlawfully entered the Kankakee County Administration Building through a secure access point before being located and arrested a short time later.
According to the Kankakee County Board and the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred at approximately 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, at the Kankakee County Administration Building, 189 East Court Street in Kankakee.
Security camera footage reportedly showed two individuals, whose faces were concealed, entering the government building through a restricted access point. While inside, the suspects encountered a county department head who was working at the time.
Officials said the department head immediately contacted law enforcement. The two individuals fled the building before officers arrived but were apprehended a short time later by responding law enforcement personnel.
The Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation. Authorities said the suspects allegedly damaged county property and were detained and charged with criminal damage to government property and burglary. The case will be forwarded to the Kankakee County State’s Attorney’s Office for review.
Kankakee County Board Chairman Matthew Alexander-Hildebrand praised the department head’s quick response and thanked both the Kankakee City Police Department and the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office for their coordinated efforts.
“I am grateful that our department head responded quickly and professionally and was not injured during this incident,” Alexander-Hildebrand said in a statement. “The safety and security of our residents, employees, and county facilities remain our highest priority.”
Officials have not released the identities of the suspects, and the investigation remains ongoing.
