Crime & Safety

Weapon Still at Large in Des Plaines River

Libertyville Fire Department divers did not find a gun that authorities say was tossed in the Des Plaines River just south of Route 176.

After two days of searching the Des Plaines River, divers were unable to locate a gun that authorities would like to check to see if it was involved in any wrongdoing in Lake County.

“During our investigation, we received information that a gun was tossed at that location,” said Lt. George McClary of the North Chicago Police Department. “We want to see if the gun was involved in open cases throughout the county, and that’s why we are trying to get it back.”

The Lake County News-Sun reported that the handgun was used in a shooting last week in North Chicago where a man shot himself in the hand while trying to show off.

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divers stopped searching the Des Plaines River just south of Route 176 about 3 p.m. Wednesday, according to McClary. The divers spent 10 hours total on Wednesday and Thursday assisting the North Chicago Police Department.

McClary praised divers for going “above and beyond to locate this weapon. I take my hat off to them.”

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The divers will not continue with the search, McClary said, but he urges the public to contact the local police if they come across the weapon along the Des Plaines River.

“Hopefully it doesn’t get in the wrong hands,” McClary said. “Hopefully we can get it off the streets.”


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