Law & Order column: Wauconda K-9 helps capture fleeing suspect

Chicago Tribune

14-03-2025

Wauconda police charged a man who, they said, fled during a traffic stop, and had to be subdued with a Taser and the assistance of a police dog.
The incident occurred Tuesday at around 5:50 p.m. when police received an automated alert that spotted a vehicle believed to be tied to organized retail thefts.
Officers pulled the Hyundai Elantra over near U.S. Route 12 and Case Road. Police said that as they attempted to verify the passenger's identity, he fled from the car.
During the foot pursuit, police released a K-9 who followed the suspect into a wooded area. Police said the man began kicking the dog as the K-9 tried to stop him. Its handler called the dog back, and an officer later saw the man exiting the woods and scuffled with him before subduing the suspect with a Taser.
He was identified by police as Jose Barico-Pena, 27. Police said he has multiple outstanding arrest warrants.
'This incident highlights the invaluable role of our K-9 unit in law enforcement,' Police Chief David Wermes said. 'K-9 Skye and her handler demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication, and this successful outcome is a testament to the rigorous training that prepares our officers and canines to protect our community and fight crime effectively.'
De-escalation techniques
The Lake County Sheriff's Office says its officers used de-escalation techniques to resolve a tense situation with a man in crisis who threatened officers with a knife.
Officers were called late Wednesday afternoon to an address on West Verona Lane near Lake Villa for what they learned was a situation involving a man who was suffering from an intentional drug or alcohol overdose.
Police also learned the man told family members that he planned to force officers to shoot and kill him.
Arriving officers were able to safely evacuate the family members, and then spent an hour defusing the situation through active communication. The man eventually surrendered peacefully and was taken to a hospital for mental health treatment. No one was injured.
'Our deputies demonstrated incredible patience, skill, and compassion in this life-or-death situation,' Sheriff John Idleburg said. 'Through outstanding de-escalation techniques, they were able to safely resolve a crisis involving a man in deep distress — without anyone getting hurt. This is the kind of professionalism and dedication they bring to our community every single day. I couldn't be more proud of their actions.'
Coffee with a Cop
Lake Zurich residents will have the chance to chat with local police during a Coffee with a Cop event planned for Wednesday.
Residents are invited to the McDonald's at 123 Quentin Road from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
'We hope that community members will feel comfortable to ask questions, bring concerns, or simply get to know our officers. These interactions are the foundation of community partnerships,' Lake Zurich Police Chief Steve Husak said.
Drone search
Sheriff's deputies and police from Gurnee and Libertyville teamed up to arrest a man who fled from a traffic stop and was later found with drugs and credit cards belonging to other people.
A man driving at a high rate of speed passed a sheriff's deputy at around 9 p.m. Tuesday near Wadsworth. The deputy followed the man's car to a gas station on Route 41, but the driver fled when he saw the deputy's car, police said.
The officer followed and a short time later found the vehicle abandoned near Kelly and Mill Creek roads. A short time later, a 911 caller reported seeing two people running across the Illinois Tollway.
Gurnee officers responded with a K-9 and Libertyville police arrived and deployed a drone, which spotted the people hiding in a tree line along the west side of the highway.
Officers took the people into custody. One of them, Shelmar K. Mays, Jr., 28, of Waukegan had numerous bags of marijuana and credit cards, police said. His passenger, a 22-year-old woman, was released pending further investigation.
Mays was charged with drug and traffic charges, police said.