Crime & Safety

Former Lake County Fair Board Member Shot to Death

The Lake County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's help in a homicide investigation into the death of former Lake County Fair Board member Harry Dahms.

Officers are looking for any information from the public into the apparent homicide of Harry Dahms, 68, of Russell. He was found at approximately 8:30 a.m. June 1 in the driveway of his residence. Dahms was the victim of an apparent homicide.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the 14000 block of Russell Road in Russell, for a report of a man down on Friday, according to a press release.

Dahms was last seen at his home Thursday, May 31, at approximately 10:10 p.m. He is approximately six feet tall and heavy set. He was wearing a dark shirt, khaki colored shorts and tan work boots, according to the LCSO.  

Find out what's happening in Libertyvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Dahms residence is located on the north side of Russell Road just west of the railroad tracks in Russell. The home is a two-story white farm-house style with a detached garage to the west of the residence.

The LCSO said Dahms was known to frequent Truck Stops of America and Toors Trucks Stop, both businesses located just west of the Tollway on Russell Road. He also was known to frequently go to the BP gas station, 8611 Sheridan Road in Kenosha and Forty-Five North restaurant in Antioch.

Find out what's happening in Libertyvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“The Lake County Sheriff’s Office, as well as myself personally, have worked with Harry Dahms in his capacity as a member of the Lake County Fair Board and we are saddened by his death,” said Sheriff Mark Curran. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.” 

A reward of up to $1,000 is being offered by Lake County Crime Stoppers. Visit their website at www.lakecountycrimestoppers.com/ or call their Tip Line at 1-847-662-2222.

A Dedicated Man

Lake County Farm Bureau Executive Director Gregory Koeppen said Dahms was dedicated to everything having to do with the Lake County Fair Association in Grayslake.

"Harry was a good friend to Farm Bureau and the Fair Association," said Koeppen. "He dedicated countless hours of time and talent to make the former Lake County Fairgrounds a place people would enjoy year-round." 

Koeppen said Dahms worked tirelessly on the old Fairgrounds at Routes 45 and 120.

"Harry knew every inch of the old fairgrounds," Koeppen said. "From 50-year-old water lines to fixing up buildings to ensure visitors had a great experience, Harry was a longtime fixture at the Fair as both a board member and grounds supervisor."

Koeppen said Dahms would be deeply missed.

"Even in the snow and rain, it wasn't uncommon to see Harry's Harley drive past my office window on his way back to the Fair office," Koeppen said. "Personally, I knew Harry as a simple guy who would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He will be missed by his Lake County Fair family and friends. His murder truly is a tragedy."

Anyone having information regarding this investigation is urged to contact the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at 847-377-4250.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.