Deputies arrested a suspect and rescued a child after they say he slashed a family member with a box cutter and threatened others in Beach Park on Thanksgiving Day.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded around 10:30 p.m. Thursday to the 10100 block of West California Avenue in Beach Park for a report of a man threatening people with a knife.
911 dispatchers obtained information that Ricardo Carcamo-Ortega, 28, of Waukegan, was armed with a knife and threatening family members, according to Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli.
Sheriff’s deputies arrived and saw Carcamo-Ortega outside.
Covelli said the man ran from deputies back into the house and they gave chase. Carcamo-Ortega then ran into the basement.
Sheriff’s deputies heard screaming coming from the basement so they immediately entered and found Carcamo-Ortega sitting on a couch holding a small child, Covelli said.
Sheriff’s deputies were able to quickly rescue the child and apprehend Carcamo-Ortega.
Deputies learned that Carcamo-Ortega became angry when his family tried to stop him from leaving the home and driving while intoxicated, Covelli said.
During the argument, he pulled a box cutter from his pocket and slashed an adult male family member’s arm, Covelli said. He was not seriously injured.
Covelli said Carcamo-Ortega also used the weapon to damage a vehicle’s tires and he chased other family members with the box cutter.
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, two counts of domestic battery and criminal damage to property.
Carcamo-Ortega remains held in the Lake County Jail pending an initial court hearing on Friday morning.