Massive Illinois Manhunt For 3 Underway After Officer Is Shot And Killed

A massive manhunt for three suspects in northern Illinois is underway after a Fox Lake police officer was shot and killed on Tuesday morning. 

Canine units, choppers and a "large number" of officers on foot have been deployed to the area, roughly 50 miles north of Chicago, Lake County spokesman Detective Chris Covelli said during a news conference. Area SWAT teams and the U.S. marshals have also joined the search. 

The suspects are described as two white males and one black male and are considered armed and dangerous, according to police.

Lake County Undersheriff Raymond Rose told the Chicago Tribune the deceased officer, who has not yet been named, died at the scene and had been stripped of his gun.

The officer contacted the police department via radio around 8 a.m. to say he was on foot and pursuing three suspicious subjects, Covelli said. Contact was lost shortly thereafter. When backup arrived on the scene, Covelli said they discovered the downed officer had suffered a gunshot wound.

"At this point, this is a tw0-pronged investigation. We're looking into the apprehension of the three suspects at large," Covelli said. "In connection with that, we're working the investigation on the officer who was injured. Lake County Major Crimes Task Force is heading up that investigation."  

The area surrounding the shooting, near U.S. Route 12 and Sayton Road, is a mix of wooded, marshy land and industrial space. Police have blocked off several main thoroughfares east of the shooting area, and some local businesses were closed earlier on Tuesday, area publication the Daily Herald reports. 

Police asked area residents on Tuesday morning to stay in their homes and to report any suspicious people or activity. At least one area high school was also put on lockdown. 

"All students and staff remain safe," Grant Community High School in Fox Lake said in a statement. "Administrators have gone room to room to ensure all staff and students have been attended to. We will remain in lockdown until we receive direction from the Police Department that the community incident is under control and it is safe to move about the school building." 

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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