Crime & Safety
Lake County, IL: Officers Shot At, 3 Charged After Park Gunfire
WAUKEGAN, IL – Three people, including two 17 year olds, are facing criminal charges after gunfire was allegedly directed at responding police officers in a Lake County park, striking an unmarked squa
By Owen Prescott · 2026-10-09T23:46:55.664Z
WAUKEGAN, IL – Three people, including two 17 year olds, are facing criminal charges after gunfire was allegedly directed at responding police officers in a Lake County park, striking an unmarked squad car during an early morning confrontation.
According to the Waukegan Police Department , officers responded at approximately 3:51 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, to Kirk Park in the 300 block of Lincoln Street following reports of individuals armed with firearms and a vehicle following them.
When officers arrived, authorities said gunfire was directed toward responding personnel.
Officers immediately established a perimeter and began searching the surrounding area.
Four individuals were taken into custody during the investigation. Two were located on foot, while two others were found inside a vehicle connected to the incident.
Investigators recovered two rifles and two handguns.
Police also confirmed that an unmarked Waukegan Police Department squad car was struck by gunfire. No officers were injured.
Anthony Rodriguez, 18, of Waukegan, was charged with four counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and aggravated battery to a peace officer.
The Lake County State's Attorney's Office filed a petition to detain Rodriguez, and a court ordered him held in custody.
Two 17 year olds also face charges.
One juvenile was charged with four counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and aggravated discharge of a firearm.
The second juvenile faces four counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.
Both juveniles were ordered detained pending further court proceedings.
The fourth individual taken into custody was released without charges.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing, and prosecutors have indicated additional charges could be filed.
Authorities have not released further details about what led to the gunfire.
All charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.