Lake Forest Police Department

Lake Forest Police Detectives make an arrest for residential burglary from April 27, 2024
Lake Forest Police Department Case 24-4340

Lake Forest, IL – At approximately 8:01 pm on April 27, 2024, the Lake Forest Police Department responded to a reported home invasion in the 1000 block of West Deerpath Road.

Preliminary information revealed that three offenders forcibly entered the residence and told the homeowner, a female in her 80s, that her house was on fire. One offender held onto the homeowner’s shoulders, not allowing her to move freely, while the other two offenders went up to the home's second floor. While in the home, the offenders targeted specific items, including jewelry, before swiftly leaving the scene.

During the investigation, the following offender was identified:
Spanky Miller (M/W 8/19/2005) of the 5000 N Blk. Elston Ave, Chicago IL

An arrest warrant for MILLER was obtained after presenting the case to the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office. On June 20, members of the North Regional Burglary Task Force (NORTAF) took MILLER into custody.

Miller is charged with:
• Count 1 – Residential Burglary (Class 1 Felony)
• Count 2 – Unlawful Restraint (Class 4 Felony)
• Count 3 – Criminal Trespass to Residence (Class 4 Felony)

Miller is also facing charges in Cook County. It is unknown when Miller will be transported to Lake County for a First Appearance Hearing.

Interim Chief of Police Lange would like to thank the members of the Lake Forest Police Department for conducting a thorough investigation and for the assistance from NORTAF. Chief Lange stated, “While incidents like these are extremely rare, we understand the impact they have on our community. From the moment this crime occurred, our officers and investigators have been determined to bring those responsible to justice.”

Investigation and identification of the remaining offenders is ongoing.

🌟 Exciting News from the Lake Forest Police Department ! 🌟

We are thrilled to announce that on Monday, June 17th, Mayor Tack, alongside Mayor for a Day, Tucker Devisetty, administered the Oath of Office to Officer Sarahi ”Sarah” Rivera-Martinez.

Sarah chose the Lake Forest Police Department to kickstart her career in law enforcement, beginning as a community service officer. Her passion for public service shines through her dedication and drive. She's currently deeply engaged in her field training and eagerly looks forward to embarking on solo patrol soon.

Join us in congratulating Officer Sarah Rivera-Martinez! 🚔

This week several of our officers along with the fire department went over to Deerhaven where we did a show and tell for the kids. We showed them our squad cars, lights, equipment we use and handed out stickers🚔🚨

🎉 Celebrating 44 years of CROYA! 🎉

The Lake Forest Police Department is incredibly proud of our partnership with Croya . Our annual Donut Bowl touch football and Donut Cup floor hockey events are some of the best highlights of the year! The cops vs kids competitions are always a blast, and the Q&A sessions afterward are truly amazing.

Congratulations to all the CROYA staff, past and present, for their outstanding care and mentoring of our youth. Here’s to 44 more years of greatness! 🥳

Crossing Guards ARE Cool! 🚸

The Lake Forest Police Department is seeking dedicated individuals to ensure the safety of our children and pedestrians for the 2024-2025 school year at Lake Forest Schools.

As a crossing guard, you'll play a vital role in helping kids cross streets safely and teaching them essential street safety skills, becoming a positive role model in the community.

This split-shift position involves working during morning arrivals and afternoon dismissals, totaling less than 3 hours a day. You'll earn $587 every two weeks ($58.70/day), with steady income throughout the school year, including breaks. Enjoy your weekends and summers off!

🔹 No experience? No problem! We provide training!

If you're passionate about community safety and looking for a flexible job, this is the perfect opportunity for you!

📲 Interested? Follow the link or scan the QR code for the full job description and application details: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lakeforestil/jobs/4530402/crossing-guard?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

Our community always rises to the occasion! Our April Autism Awareness Campaign exceeded all expectations once again. Throughout April, our officers were invited to offer our commemorative Autism Awareness Patches and Magnets at several wonderful locations, including The Peanut Gallery, Gerhard's Elegant European Desserts , and Starbucks-West Lake Forest. We are incredibly grateful to our business partners and everyone who donated.

Today, Officers Flesch and Jakob proudly delivered a check for just over $3,000 to Ann Subry from SEDOL. All proceeds directly support the Autism program of the Sedol Foundation , a local Lake County organization dedicated to helping individuals with Autism. The Special Education District of Lake County (SEDOL) provides tailored educational opportunities for individuals aged 3 to 22 with physical, mental, and emotional challenges. Additionally, Lake Forest High School's West Campus hosts a SEDOL education program
Thank you to our caring community for your support and generosity!

Members of the Lake Forest Police Department ran 4 miles through Lake Forest for the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run. This run brings awareness and support to the Illinois Special Olympics athletes.

A special thank you to all the spectators who cheered the runners on and to all who supported our fundraising efforts for Illinois Special Olympics.

We are thrilled to announce that our Cop on a Rooftop fundraiser was an incredible success! Thanks to the generosity of our amazing community, we raised $4,233.90 this year! Both Lake Forest Police Department and Special Olympics Illinois are immensely grateful for your support.

The excitement continues this Saturday, June 1st, with the Law Enforcement Torch Run For Special Olympics. We'll be proudly carrying The Torch through The City of Lake Forest. The torch will be handed off to us at the Lake Bluff/Lake Forest border around 8:30 AM, and we'll proceed south on Sheridan Road (approximately 4 miles) to Old Elm, where we'll pass it on to the runners from Highland Park/Highwood.

Come out and cheer for the runners as they carry the torch!

Yesterday Officer Styx and Officer Melgar along with the kids from CROYA practiced some self defense skills. The students at CROYA learned strikes, kicks and choke defenses. We hope everyone enjoyed themselves as much as the officers enjoyed teaching!! 🥊🥊

A big thank you to Barritt and his friend Quinn for visiting us at the police department! Their parents won the Cherokee School auction, which included a squad car ride and a station tour. Here’s Officer Sineni with Quinn, Barritt, and his siblings. The boys had a great time meeting and chatting with the Chief and Deputy Chief, and they even got a grand tour of the police and fire departments. This auction item is always a hit with the fundraising efforts of our school and nonprofit communities. Our officers love meeting the kids and hearing about their interests! 🚓👮‍♂️🚒

Come visit us at the Gurnee Mills Public Safety Expo. We'll be here until 3PM in Lot-E between Kohls and Bass Pro Shop. See if you can beat Sgt Signa in bags!

🚔🍩 We're not letting them down until you show up at Dunkin' for Cop on a Rooftop! Don't leave them hanging! We're here until noon so take an early lunch break and join us by supporting Special Olympics Illinois.

Lake Forest Police Department is going up high and visiting with our community.

🚔🍩 We're here at Dunkin'. The girls are having fun and we're handing out coupons and raising funds for Special Olympics Illinois. We're here until noon. Stop on by!

We're here! Can't wait to see you. Come on down to Dunkin'.🍩🚔

Tomorrow is Crossing Guard Appreciation Day! Take a moment to give them a wave or shout out as you go about your day.

Gov. JB Pritzker has declared Friday, May 17th, as Crossing Guard Appreciation Day in Illinois to honor the men and women who help ensure the safety of students throughout Illinois as they walk and bike to school.

Throughout the school year, they are the friendly faces that can be found in rain, sun, and snow, guiding our students to safety and providing parents with peace of mind.
Lake Forest Police Department is so thankful for our Crossing Guards.

🚔🍩 Hey everyone, it's that time again! We’re breaking out the donut-eaters squad car and heading over to Dunkin, 620 N. Western Avenue, tomorrow morning from 6 am to noon for Cop on a Rooftop. 🎉

For 21 incredible years, Dunkin' has teamed up with local law enforcement to support Olympics Illinois, raising over $8.7 million! 🙌 While we can't quite reach the rooftop, our amazing friends at Ditomasso Excavating are lending us their scissor-lift to get us up in the air! 🚀

Swing by to show your support and have a blast! Grab some awesome Law Enforcement Torch Run swag, make a donation, and snag coupons for free coffee and donuts! ☕🍩 It's all about good times, good fun, and good neighbors. Let's make it a day to remember! 😊

May 15th is National Police Memorial Day. Established by President John F. Kennedy in 1962, today honors law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty and serves as a poignant reminder of the daily risks and challenges faced by officers in their commitment to public safety.

Today our community pays tribute to Lake Forest Police Officers James Sage and Clyde Spradling who lost their lives in the line of duty. Additionally, we would like to recognize Illinois State Police Trooper Gerald Ellis, who died while using his squad car to stop a wrong-way drunk driver on I-94 near Lake Forest. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten.

Through memorial services, moments of silence, and other tributes, National Police Memorial Day offers a chance to express gratitude for the courage and dedication of these brave individuals and their families.

Today marks the beginning of National Police Week. This annual event pays tribute to law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. While Police Week is a time for memorial and remembrance, it is also a time to express our gratitude to the men and women of law enforcement who continue to serve and protect our communities every day. Their dedication and daily sacrifices embody the true spirit of service and courage.

Congratulations to the graduates of the Citizens Police Academy! 🎓 They completed 11 weeks where they got to learn about different police topics as well as do some hands on training. We enjoyed meeting everyone and appreciate all of their participation! The citizens police academy is held twice a year. If you or anyone you know is interested in being a part of the next CPA class you can sign up at the City of Lake Forest city website.

Join us in extending a warm welcome to Officer Sarahi Rivera-Martinez. Sarahi began her journey with our department as a Community Service Officer and has now graduated from the Police Training Institute class 24-01 after completing 16 weeks of basic law enforcement training! 👮‍♀️🎓

We're immensely proud of her dedication and hard work. Officer Rivera-Martinez's transition to a full-fledged officer is a testament to her commitment to serving our community. Let's show her our support as she embarks on this new chapter in her law enforcement career. Congratulations, Sarahi, and best of luck in field training.

Lake Forest Police Investigate Ruse Burglary on Deerpath Road

Lake Forest, IL – At approximately 8:01 pm on April 27, 2024, the Lake Forest Police Department responded to a reported home invasion in the 1000 block of West Deerpath Road.

Preliminary investigation revealed that three individuals forcibly entered the residence and told the homeowner that their house was on fire. While in the home, the offenders targeted specific items, including jewelry, before swiftly leaving the scene.

While this is an isolated incident, the Lake Forest Police Department takes this matter seriously and is actively investigating. The incident is believed to be a ruse burglary, where offenders use deception to gain access to homes. We encourage anyone with information to please contact Detective Brian Esmon at 847-810-3955.

In light of this event, the Lake Forest Police Department urges residents to take precautions against ruse burglaries and thefts by deception:

• Verify the identity of anyone requesting entry into your home, especially unexpected visitors.
• Install surveillance cameras on your property to enhance security and aid law enforcement efforts.
• Report any suspicious activity or individuals immediately by calling 9-1-1.

The safety and security of our community are of utmost importance to us, and we are committed to maintaining a safe environment for all residents.

🌟 Huge thanks to everyone who joined us this past weekend for our semi-annual Prescription Drug Take-Back Event in partnership with Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital and the Drug Enforcement Administration - DEA! It was wonderful seeing so many community members coming together to take a proactive step in preventing medication misuse and opioid addiction. 👏

While these events present an opportunity to dispose of unwanted medications, please remember that the Lake Forest Police Department has a drop-box in the vestibule of the Public Safety Building, 255 W. Deerpath, that is accessible 24/7/365. Let's keep our community safe and healthy together! 💊👍

🚔 Today, we bid a heartfelt farewell to our esteemed Police Chief, Karl Walldorf, who is retiring after dedicating over 30 years to the Lake Forest Police Department and the of Lake Forest, Illinois Throughout his illustrious career, Karl has not only been on the front lines keeping our community safe, but has also served as Investigator, Arrest Team Supervisor with the NIPAS Mobile Field Force, CALEA Accreditation Manager, Director of Fi****ms Training, and Police Pension Board President.

🌟 Karl was instrumental in founding the Lake Forest Police Department's Citizen Police Academy, an initiative that has greatly enhanced community engagement and understanding.

👮‍♂️ Under his leadership as Chief, Karl introduced pivotal programs that have enriched our department and community:

• The K-9 Unit, enhancing our capabilities in safety and operations.
• The Social Services Program, integrating essential mental health and support services.
• The Chaplain Program, providing spiritual support to officers and staff.
• He ensured that our Police Department was always equipped with the most up-to-date tools and technology necessary for a modern police force to provide safe and effective service.

🛡️ Beyond our city, Karl has represented us on multiple fronts, including Chairman of the Lake County Major Crimes Task Force Executive Board, Governing Board of the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System, as a member of the Governing Board for Northern Illinois Police Alarm System, and as a member of the Legislative Committee for the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police.

💙 Karl, your unwavering dedication and leadership have left an indelible mark on the Lake Forest Police and our community. We are deeply grateful for your service and leadership. Although we are sad to see you go, we wish you all the best in your future endeavors. You will be greatly missed!

🌟 Wow, what an incredible journey April has been! Thanks to your unending support, our Autism Awareness Month campaign has been a massive success. Let's wrap it up with a bang! 🎉

Join us for our final event this Sunday, April 28, at Starbucks-West (840 S. Waukegan Road) from 8 AM to 11 AM. A big shout-out to all our community partners who've been instrumental in advancing our cause! 🙌

Can't make it this Sunday? No worries! You can still support us by visiting the Public Safety Building (255 W. Deerpath) anytime during regular business hours to make your donation and pick up your exclusive patch or car magnet. 🧲

Remember, every penny you donate goes directly to the Autism program at the Sedol Foundation , helping make a real difference in the lives of individuals with Autism in our local Lake County community. 🎓 SEDOL offers specialized education for young people aged 3 to 22 with diverse needs, and we're proud to see this impact first-hand at Lake Forest High School's West Campus
Don’t miss out on supporting a great cause and snagging some unique swag! Your contribution means the world to us. ❤️

Today, we're celebrating Administrative Professionals' Day, and there's no one more deserving of recognition than Barbara Lueder-Manetti!

Barbara wears many hats, from managing payroll and handling all the bills with precision to always being behind the scenes, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Her dedication and expertise keep our operations running seamlessly day in and day out. Not to mention, Barb's active involvement in Illinois Law Enforcement Administrative Professionals (Illinois LEAP) showcases her commitment to excellence and professionalism in her field.

Thank you, Barb, for all that you do! Your hard work and dedication are truly appreciated. Happy Administrative Professionals' Day!