A McHenry man on social media threatened to kill police officers and has been charged after officials say he recklessly forced a police squad to a stop and tried to arrest the officer in Fox Lake.
Fox Lake Police Department Sgt. Rick Howell said Eric D. Walleck, 51, of McHenry, observed a marked Fox Lake police squad car traveling northbound on Route 12 around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Walleck began recklessly weaving in and out of traffic while honking his horn and flashing his headlights in an attempt to catch up to the squad, Howell said.
He eventually passed the patrol car and abruptly turned his vehicle in front of the squad while coming to an abrupt stop.
The officer activated their emergency lights and initiated a traffic stop on Walleck.
Howell said Walleck immediately exited his vehicle and brandished a set of handcuffs in his hand.
Walleck approached the officer and declared he was arresting her.
The officer ordered him to return to his vehicle. He returned to his vehicle and fled the scene at a high rate of speed, Howell said.
The police department was also aware that Walleck made threatening statements on social media.
Howell said that Walleck offered a cash reward for the arrest of police officers.
In a social media post on the man’s Facebook profile, Walleck said he was “putting warrants out on the police officers here in Illinois” and that he would “bring the law enforcement in dead or alive.”
“American citizens get ready for a big shootout with the law enforcement against a presidential candidate,” Walleck said, referring to himself as a 2024 Presidential candidate.
The Fox Lake Police Department obtained an arrest warrant for Walleck on Wednesday for aggravated assault to a peace officer, aggravated assault with a motor vehicle, reckless driving and fleeing to elude.
Walleck was arrested at his residence in the 1000 block of Hayden Drive in unincorporated McHenry around 3:15 p.m. Wednesday, Howell said.
He was transported to the Lake County Jail and is awaiting a First Appearance Court hearing at the Lake County Courthouse in Waukegan.