A Round Lake man was arrested after he threatened to commit a shooting at the Waukegan social security office “like the mass shooting that just happened” when his benefits claim was denied, prosecutors said during a bond hearing.
Juan Diaz of Round Lake was charged with one count of harassment through electronic communications.
Diaz made a claim for social security benefits, which was denied, Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Lindsay Hicks said during a bond hearing Thursday morning.
Diaz, upset with the denial, called the social security case manager and stated, “I’m going to come down there and shoot them all like the mass shooting that just happened,” Hicks said.
Round Lake police officers responded to Diaz’s residence and asked him if he had any weapons.
Diaz indicated “he was not going to give them up.” Diaz does have a valid FOID (Firearm Owners Identification) card, Hicks said.
The incident occurred on Wednesday and Diaz was arrested by the Waukegan Police Department, court records show.
Assistant Public Defender Joseph Steinfels said Diaz has been on social security dealing with health issues for over four years and asked the judge for a recognizance or low cash bond.
Lake County Judge Theodore Potkonjak set Diaz’s bond at $100,000, meaning he would have to post 10%, or $10,000, to be released.
Bail was posted for Diaz and he was released on Friday, court records show.
Potkonjak ordered him to not have any contact with the social security office located at 1930 North Lewis Avenue in Waukegan and with Congressman Brad Schneider’s office.
Potkonjak also ordered Diaz to surrender his FOID card and all his firearms.
Diaz is scheduled to appear in court on August 3 for a preliminary hearing.