Schools were placed in “secure” status after a domestic battery suspect fled on foot and ran from officers, prompting a police search that ended in his arrest in Harvard Monday afternoon.
The Harvard Police Department responded around 2:14 p.m. Monday to the 600 block of Driftwood Lane for a call of a domestic disturbance.
Harvard Police Chief Tyson Bauman said officers arrived and learned a male subject committed a domestic battery.
The suspect prevented the victim from reporting the domestic violence and he fled the area on foot.
He was later observed at the Walgreens, 395 South Division Street in Harvard.
The suspect fled from officers to the northwest towards Route 173, Bauman said.
The Harvard school resource officer notified Harvard Community Unit School District 50 about the situation.
The original domestic battery was in close proximity to Crosby Elementary School.
The school district issued a notification indicating that all District 50 schools were placed in “secure” status due to the police activity in the area, which did not directly involve the schools.
The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office and a canine unit were requested to assist in the search.
Bauman said officers observed the suspect an hour later near the Metra train station, 1 North Ayer Street, and engaged in a foot pursuit.
The male then fled to the area of West Park Street and Campbell Street where he continued to a field just west of Lawrence Road.
The suspect was apprehended shortly after entering the field by the Harvard Police Department, with the assistance of the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, Bauman said.
He was identified as Miguel Hechavarria Jr., 24, of Crown Point, Indiana.
Hechavarria was charged with domestic battery causing bodily harm, domestic battery physical contact, obstructing a peace officer, interfering with the report of domestic violence and criminal damage to property.
Hechavarria was transported to the McHenry County Jail where he remains held pending an Initial Appearance Court hearing.