Crime & Safety

Independence Grove Remains Closed, Bomb Threat Investigation Continues

The Lake County Forest Preserves received a bomb threat by mail this week.

Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville is still closed as officials continue to investigate a bomb threat received by the Lake County Forest Preserves earlier this week.

Forest Preserves officials announced Wednesday morning that Independence Grove would be closed due to a bomb threat

Julie Kenney, public information representative for the United States Postal Inspection Service, said the threat was received by mail in a letter. She said Wednesday that investigators were "questioning a person of interest" and that nothing suspicious had been found at Independence Grove.

In a statement released late Thursday, Forest Preserves officials said that Independence Grove "remains closed until further notice as investigation of a bomb threat continues."

"The letter specified the target of the threat as a privately-hosted event scheduled at the preserve, not a District function," officials continued in the statement. "Lake County Forest Preserve Ranger Police are actively assisting federal authorities during the investigation phase, and taking every necessary precaution to secure the site until the threat can be nullified."

"As soon as authorities deem the area safe for public use, the preserve will be reopened and regular events and activities resumed," officials added. "The Independence Grove Dog Exercise Area and the Des Plaines River Trail are currently open and unaffected by the preserve closure."


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