Snowy Owl Killed; Kidnapping, Ransom Ends In Arrest: IL Weekend

ILLINOIS — A snowy owl that was a favorite of local photographers was killed in what one witness called a hit-and-run.

Also, health officials have confirmed a bird flu outbreak affecting ducks and geese across Illinois, and a man held a driver at gunpoint, abducting him and threatening to kill him unless his family paid a ransom, police said.

Here are some of the stories you may have missed:

Beloved Snowy Owl Hit, Killed By Vehicle

A snowy owl that drew the interest of local photographers in recent weeks has been struck by a car and killed, police said. A passerby spotted the animal on the side of the road and called it in as a hit-and-run.

Kidnapper Abducted 2 People, Used Death Threat To Make Ransom Demand: Cops

A man is facing multiple felony charges after police say he kidnapped two people and held one of them for ransom, threatening to kill him if his family did not pay, police said. A woman who was picked up using a ride-share app was told to collect the ransom money, but instead fled and called police.

Shots Fired, Car Crashes Into Tree, Leaving Scene

Officers checked the surrounding area and located several spent shell casings near the location. The offender(s) fled prior to officers arriving. A vehicle near the incident crashed into a tree while attempting to leave the area, police said.

Gunshot Victim, 25, Dies From His Injuries, Arrest Made

A female 911 caller advised a man had just shot her friend.

Bird Flu Confirmed Across Illinois

Bird flu has sickened and killed geese and ducks in various locations in Illinois, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Semi Rolls Onto Train Tracks, Covering I-55 With Chicken Broth, Disinfectant Wipes

A semitrailer rolled off Interstate 55 and onto the train tracks below, leaving a trail of chicken broth and disinfectant wipes in its wake, according to authorities.

‘Prank’ Evacuates Suburban Mall

Witnesses at the mall reported hearing a single loud boom following by several people, possibly juveniles, running for the exits. After a search of the mall, police said the incident appeared to be a prank initiated by the group inside the mall.

Armed Robbery Occurs Outside Restaurant: Police

A group of diners was exiting the restaurant when the incident occurred, according to police. The customers were approached by an unknown male wearing all black, who confronted the group, pointed a black handgun at their chests and demanded their wallets. All three handed over their wallets, and the man fled the scene with around $1,100 in cash.

House Fire Damages Suburban Home

Crews found flames venting from a picture window in the front of the home. Responding crews made entry through the front door and extinguished the fire.