Police are actively searching for a wanted suspect who fled from authorities near the Lake County Courthouse in Waukegan, prompting schools to go on lockdown.
The incident began around 10 a.m. Thursday.
The College of Lake County said in a message that their Lakeshore Campus located in Waukegan was placed on lockdown due to “dangerous conditions.”
“Police are on scene and managing the situation,” the message said.
The school said students and staff should stay inside locked buildings and wait for the all-clear. As of 11:15 a.m., the school said the lockdown continued.
Classes were reportedly canceled at the college.
North Chicago School District 187 said in a message that Evelyn Alexander School was also placed on soft lockdown due to “a prisoner escaping custody” in Waukegan.
“This means students will not be allowed outdoors and only parents/guardians with appointments will be allowed entry,” the district said.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli told Lake and McHenry County Scanner that a man found out he was wanted and fled.
A heavy police presence was seen throughout downtown Waukegan as officers searched for the suspect. It was unknown what he is wanted for.
Covelli said additional information would be released shortly.