Investigators say an officer fatally shot a suicidal and intoxicated man who barricaded himself in a bathroom before abruptly exiting and pointing a replica gun at the officer in Highwood.
The Highwood Police Department and Highland Park Fire Department responded around 4:47 p.m. Thursday to the 200 block of Morgan Place in Highwood for a psychiatric call.
Lake County Major Crime Task Force Spokesman Christopher Covelli said officers received a call for a highly intoxicated, suicidal man.
The caller was a relative who was not at the scene but reported that the man’s ex-girlfriend was inside the house with him.
Officers arrived and learned the man had locked himself inside a bathroom, Covelli said.
The fire department was informed to stage away from the scene until officers could secure it.
Covelli said officers attempted to speak with him for several minutes and requested that he exit and speak with paramedics about his condition.
The man told them he was armed and said he hoped the officers were wearing their vests, Covelli said.
The man then abruptly exited the bathroom armed with a pistol and pointed it in the officers’ direction, Covelli said.
One of the officers discharged their firearm, striking the man. It was unknown how many times he was shot.
Officers began performing lifesaving measures on the subject until the Highland Park Fire Department arrived.
Emergency radio traffic indicated the man was not breathing and CPR was in progress.
Paramedics took over lifesaving measures and rushed the man to Endeavor Highland Park Hospital.
Lake County Chief Deputy Coroner Steve Newton said the 58-year-old man was pronounced dead in the emergency room.
The Lake County Coroner’s Office responded to the hospital and has scheduled an autopsy for Friday morning.
Three ambulances were dispatched to the scene — one for the man and two for the officers involved.
Covelli said the officer who fired their weapon was transported to the hospital for evaluation.
The Lake County Major Crime Task Force was called to the scene to conduct an independent investigation in accordance with protocol.
A preliminary investigation indicates the firearm recovered at the scene was a replica pistol, Covelli said.
Morgan Place was shut down between Mears Place and Everts Place for hours during the investigation.
The Major Crime Task Force was seen setting up a tent at the scene and interviewing neighbors as rain began falling into Thursday evening.
Investigators were also seen taking photographs around the house involved.
The identity of the subject involved has not been publicly identified.