On May 17, 2018, at approximately 10:05PM, Lake County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a residence in the 20844 W Siena Drive, Lake Villa Township, for a burglary in progress.  The 911 caller stated he saw a man breaking into his camper, which was parked on the side of his residence.

Just prior to the arrival of Sheriff’s Deputies, the man fled.  A perimeter was established and Deputy Forlenza and his K-9 partner, Dax, were called to assist in locating the man.  K9 Dax tracked the scent of the burglar for approximately a quarter-mile, to an outbuilding in the 20700 block of West Verona Avenue, Lake Villa Township.  K9 Dax located the man hiding inside of the outbuilding on the property.  

The man, Michael Fritz, 44, (no permanent address), was arrested and transported to the Lake County Jail without further incident.  He was subsequently charged with one count of Residential Burglary (Class 1 Felony).

Fritz remains held at the Lake County Jail pending an initial court hearing today.

Sheriff Mark Curran said, “This is another example of how important our Lake County Sheriff’s Canine Teams are in keeping Lake County Safe.  Deputy Forlenza and Dax did an outstanding job locating another individual fleeing from a crime.  This incident shows great teamwork from members of the Sheriff’s Office and surrounding police departments.”

Lindenhurst Police Department and Antioch Police Department assisted in establishing the perimeter.  

Sheriff Curran reminds the public the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.