On November 4, 2022, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office arrested an armed man who threatened to kill family members and have a shootout with law-enforcement.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office took a report from a family member of RB Warrens, 49, of the 33400 block of Lakeshore Drive, Unincorporated Grayslake. The family member was fearful because Warrens threatened to kill them and threatened shoot anyone who attempted to remove him from his home. Warrens was reported to be ‘anti-government’ and have an ‘arsenal’ of firearms.
Based on the threats and the family’s observations, sheriff’s deputies appeared in court and obtained a firearms restraining order, search warrant, and arrest warrant for Warrens, for electronic harassment.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Response Team conducted an assessment and determined should a shootout occur at the residence, there was a high risk to the surrounding community. Based on that, members of the tactical response team established surveillance on Warrens’ residence, in attempt to take him into custody offsite.
At approximately 10:40 p.m. on November 4th, members of the surveillance team observed Warrens leaving the residence. The team was able to conduct a traffic stop on Warrens’ vehicle. Warrens was informed he was under arrest and he was noncompliant. Instead of following direction from the deputies, he abruptly reached into his clothing. Sheriff’s K9 Dax was released and bit Warrens in the arm, which subdued him. Warrens was placed into custody. A loaded pistol was recovered from the area Warrens was reaching.
Warrens was transported to an area hospital for the dog bite. He was treated and released back into the custody of the sheriff’s office. Warrens was transported to the Lake County Jail where he remains pending a bond hearing. The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the additional charges of two counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and resisting arrest.
During a search of the home, dozens of firearms were located, including high-powered rifles, shotguns, AK-47’s, and pistols. Hundreds of rounds of ammunition were also seized.
Based on the placement of the firearms throughout the home, it was clear to sheriff’s deputies that Warrens was anticipating law-enforcement’s involvement and prepared to have a deadly shootout.
Sheriff John D. Idleburg said, “There is no doubt this man is violent and intended to cause harm or death to others, including my sheriff’s deputies. This is a situation that could have undoubtedly ended in innocent lives lost and I am incredibly proud of our staff for putting their lives on the line to apprehend this dangerous man. This situation emphasizes the importance of saying something to law-enforcement when you see or hear something concerning or suspicious.”