A gunman was taken into custody by a SWAT team following a domestic disturbance that led to an eight-hour standoff, prompting a major police response in Round Lake Beach Thursday afternoon.
The Round Lake Beach Police Department responded around 3:37 p.m. Thursday to the 300 block of Beachview Drive in Round Lake Beach for a report of a disturbance at a residence.
Police officials said it was reported to be a domestic-related altercation inside a house.
It was reported that the suspect, 35-year-old Luis Pena, was armed with a gun, police officials said.
It was reported that he went outside at some point and came back inside the home where another family member was present.
Officers arrived, established a perimeter and safely evacuated the remaining occupant from the home.
Officers began efforts to communicate with Pena and secure his voluntary surrender but he remained inside and refused to exit, police officials said.
Road closures were implemented in the area, including a portion of Cedar Lake Road.
Officers also learned that Pena was wanted on a warrant out of Lake County for an unrelated case.
The Northern Illinois Police Alarm System (NIPAS) Emergency Services Team (EST) was called to the scene to support the incident.
Police issued a community alert during the incident warning residents to avoid the area due to the heavy police activity.
The Round Lake Beach Police Department and NIPAS EST continued to communicate with Pena to secure a peaceful surrender and prioritize the safety of the family and residents.
The standoff lasted more than eight hours and came to a conclusion just before midnight.
Police officials said Pena was taken into custody without injury to any officers or himself. Police also recovered a gun.
Police said the domestic incident was isolated and involved known parties and there is no longer a threat to the community.
“The Round Lake Beach Police Department appreciates the patience and cooperation of community members who avoided the area and followed public safety instructions while the incident was ongoing. We would also like to thank our surrounding partner agencies and the Northern Illinois Police Alarm System (NIPAS) for their support and assistance,” the department said in a statement.
The case was reviewed with the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office, which approved charges of felon in possession of a weapon, a Class 3 felony, and domestic battery, a Class A misdemeanor.
Pena was transported to the Lake County Courthouse in Waukegan for a First Appearance Court hearing.