Illinois police officer shot and killed; one suspect in custody
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Ashley Fantz and Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN
(CNN) — Investigators combed neighborhoods north of Chicago Tuesday in a massive manhunt for suspects accused of shooting dead a police officer.
By Tuesday afternoon, one suspect was in custody, Illinois State Police Sgt. Matt Boerwinkle said.
It wasn’t immediately clear who had been captured, and how many other suspects were on the loose.
The shooting happened about 10 minutes before 8 a.m., after the officer sent word over his radio that he was pursuing three suspects on foot, Lake County Sheriff’s Sgt. Christopher Covelli said.
The slain officer worked for Fox Lake Police, a community of about 60,000 people in Lake County, about 60 miles north of Chicago. The hunt for the suspects — described by the officer as two white men and one black man — put at least four schools on lockdown and left people barricaded in their homes in Lake County, Illinois.
Law enforcement on foot and in helicopters were combing the area, according to the Sheriff.
Canine units have also been dispatched. U.S Marshal officials and agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are assisting.
No-fly zone over search area
Residents have been asked to remain inside their homes and businesses, officials said
“We asked residents to report any suspicious activity they happen to see, whether they think it’s something minor or major and to keep an eye out for these three individuals,” Covelli said.
The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a no-fly zone that covers two nautical miles over the search area.
Slain officer was 32-year veteran
Authorities haven’t released the identity of the slain officer.
He was a 32-year veteran of the police force, CNN learned from a law enforcement source.
“He loved his community and loved his job, and he will be very sorely missed in this community,” said Catherine “Kay” Starostovic, Grant Township supervisor.
Radio communication dropped off and backup officers were sent. They found the officer with a gunshot wound.
CNN’s Brooke Baldwin, Tony Marco, AnneClaire Stapleton, Rene Marsh, and Marylynn Ryan contributed to this story.