CHICAGO -- A manhunt is underway for three suspects after a police officer was fatally shot in far north suburban Fox Lake Tuesday morning. Police said the suspects - described as two white males and one black male - should be considered armed and dangerous.
Fox Lake police identified the slain officer as Lieutenant Charles Joseph Gliniewicz, a 32-year veteran of the force and married father of four. Lt. Gliniewicz went by Joe, and was nicknamed "G.I. Joe." Fox Lake Mayor Donny Schmidt said, "Today Fox Lake didn't just lose a family member, I lost a very dear friend."
Lake County Sheriff's Dept. Det. Chris Covelli said a Fox Lake police officer was shot while responding to a call of three suspicious people near Route 12 and Sayton Rd around 7:52 a.m.
After communication was lost with the officer, his backup arrived on the scene to find him injured with a gunshot wound, Det. Covelli said. A law enforcement source says the police officer has died.
"At this time, we're asking all area residents to remain inside. Report any suspicious activity, any suspicious people, by dialing 911 as we still have three offenders at large," Det. Covelli said.
Local authorities were seen searching a wooded area near the scene on foot and by helicopter for several hours. Canine units were brought in from various jurisdictions, including McHenry County. FBI agents and U.S. Marshals are also assisting in the search, according to spokespersons for both agencies.
The search has impacted public transportation and some schools remained on hard lockdown.