Three suspects armed with knives are in custody after authorities say they threatened, chased and attacked victims, including holding a knife to the throat of one, at a park in Antioch Saturday evening.
The Antioch Police Department responded around 9 p.m. Saturday to Sequoit Creek Park, 845 Main Street in Antioch, for a report of a disturbance in progress.
Antioch Police Department Patrol Commander Jared Brussaly said it was reported to involve multiple people, several of whom were armed with knives.
An on-duty Antioch Police Department officer was monitoring the village’s public-area surveillance system, which includes extensive camera coverage of Sequoit Creek Park.
The officer observed several people exiting a vehicle and began chasing another person through the park, Brussaly said.
Two of those involved were seen to be armed with large fixed-bladed knives.
Brussaly said the information was immediately broadcast over police radio and multiple Antioch police officers responded.
Officers arrived on the scene and safely took three subjects into custody.
Witnesses told police that several of those involved were armed with fixed-blade knives at the park, Brussaly said.
One victim was chased through the park before being physically attacked and additional victims and witnesses were threatened with harm.
One of the offenders held a knife to another victim’s throat and threatened to kill them during the incident, Brussaly said.
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, a Class 3 felony, for each of the three suspects arrested.
They include Nicholas Pluta, 21, of Trevor, Wisconsin; Mitchell Alcock, 20, of Volo; and Brian Marciniak, 21, of North Chicago.
Police detectives are still working with the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office as the case remains under review and the Antioch Police Department seeks additional criminal charges.
The suspects were also issued 11 additional citations related to their involvement in the incident.
The Antioch Police Department said they recognize the actions of the Per Mar Security officers who were working at Sequoit Creek Park during the incident.
“Upon recognizing the seriousness of the situation, the security officers immediately attempted to intervene and protect park patrons until one of the armed suspects turned his attention to them and threatened them with a knife,” Brussaly said.
“Their quick recognition of the danger and commitment to the safety of others is commendable, and the Antioch Police Department appreciates their professionalism and cooperation throughout the incident,” Brussaly said.
The Antioch Village Board recently approved the contract for Per Mar Security officers to conduct daily patrols in and around Sequoit Creek Park as part of the village’s ongoing efforts to enhance public safety.
Antioch police officers and Community Service Officers also regularly patrol village parks on foot and in patrol vehicles.
Antioch Police Chief Geoffrey Guttschow praised the coordinated response by everyone involved.
“This incident had the potential to end in tragedy. The security officers on scene, the officer monitoring the Village’s camera system, and the responding Antioch Police officers all acted immediately, and their collaborative response helped prevent a tragic outcome. Their vigilance, professionalism, and quick action were critical in bringing this dangerous situation under control,” Guttschow said.
“This kind of violence is inconsistent with our community’s values, and it is not something the Antioch Police Department, the Village, or our residents will tolerate. This was a targeted incident involving known individuals, not a random attack on park patrons. The Antioch Police Department will work closely with the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office to pursue the strongest charges supported by the facts and the law, and we will use every lawful tool available to hold offenders accountable,” he added.
The Antioch Police Department said it remains committed to keeping the village’s parks and public spaces safe.
Anyone with additional information about the incident is asked to contact the Antioch Police Department at 847-395-8585.