A wanted drug dealer who allegedly sold fentanyl near a school in Waukegan tripped down a hill and somersaulted into a pond while running away from police in Gurnee.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli said the sheriff’s Special Investigations Group (SIG) detectives conducted a long-term drug investigation into Zaquan Moore, 25, of Zion.
Moore sold approximately five grams of fentanyl to undercover detectives within 500 feet of a school in Waukegan on April 6, 2023, Covelli said.
Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Savannah Halcomb said the transaction occurred in the 600 block of Pickus Court, which is within 500 feet of Lions Math and Science Christian Academy, 1011 Porter Street in Waukegan.
School was in session at the time of the transaction. Halcomb said Moore sold 50 fentanyl pills for $275.
The pills lab tested positive for fentanyl and weighed 5.6 grams, Halcomb said.
The transaction occurred in a vehicle and Moore got out of the car and drove away, Halcomb said.
Covelli said members of the SIG continued their investigation into Moore and his drug supply after he sold to undercover detectives the first time.
Leads they were investigating went cold and detectives worked to arrest Moore for the initial drug sale transaction, Covelli said.
Detectives conducted an operation to take Moore into custody on June 9.
They conducted a traffic stop on his vehicle in the 6600 block of Grand Avenue in Gurnee.
Moore ran from detectives and tripped on a hill, causing him to somersault down the hill into a pond where he was taken into custody.
Moore was charged with manufacturing or delivery of fentanyl near a school, possession of a controlled substance and obstructing a peace officer.
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a petition to detain Moore pending trial, arguing he poses a real and present danger to the community, and a judge granted the request.
“This defendant sold a large amount of fentanyl pills to an informant within 500 feet of a school. This defendant poses a threat to the community, not only because of the proximity to the school and the children inside and in the area, but also because he is selling fentanyl into the community,” Halcomb said.
Moore is scheduled to appear in court again on Tuesday for a hearing on a motion to reconsider his detention.