* UPDATE *
On December 22, 2016, at approximately 6:54PM, Vernon Hills Police Dispatch received a call from an unknown subject who said he just killed his mother with a firearm at a residence in the 23600 block of North Apple Hill Lane, Unincorporated Lincolnshire. Because this address is in the jurisdiction of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Vernon Hills Police Dispatch provided the information to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
Several sheriff’s deputies responded to the address. Upon their arrival, sheriff’s deputies made contact with the family and learned all were safe inside their home.
There is likely a connection between this incident and the incident in Hawthorn Woods. Lake County Sheriff’s Detectives responded to the Unincorporated Lincolnshire scene and will continue working with Hawthorn Woods investigators to determine who is responsible for making these fraudulent telephone calls.
Fraudulent 911 Call in Hawthorn Woods
On December 22, 2016, at approximately 11:28AM, police officers from the Hawthorn Woods Police Department responded to 184 Bluebird Court, Hawthorn Woods, for a report of two people who were murdered inside the residence.
At approximately 11:28AM, the Lake Zurich Police Department received 911 call from a caller who identified himself as a 19 year-old who resided at 184 Bluebird Court. The call went to Lake Zurich Police Department, as they provide police dispatch services for Hawthorn Woods Police Department. The caller claimed he just murdered his two parents and disconnected the telephone.
Hawthorn Woods Police Officers were dispatched to 184 Bluebird Court and set up a perimeter around the residence. Approximately five minutes after the first call, Lake Zurich Dispatch received a second call from someone who sounded to be the same person. The individual said his sister was inside the residence with him and he had a bomb. The caller said he would not surrender to police officers, but instead was going to detonate the bomb.
Hawthorn Woods Police requested the assistance of neighboring police departments and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. They also requested a response from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Response Team.
Investigators quickly worked to identify the homeowners of 184 Bluebird Court. They found the name the caller used belonged to a family who no longer lived there. Investigators located the family in a nearby community and all were found to be safe. They also reported they received numerous harassing telephone calls over the course of the day.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Response Team made entry into 184 Bluebird Court and found nothing suspicious. Nobody was inside the residence and there was no indication of foul play. Investigators made contact with the new homeowners and all were found to be safe.
Hawthorn Woods Police in conjunction with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division will conduct an investigation to determine who is responsible for making the fraudulent calls.