Lake County Sheriff's K9 Team Locates Armed Algonquin Man: Police

ALGONQUIN, IL — A 51-year-old Algonquin man was arrested at 5:20 a.m. Saturday and has been charged with several offenses including unlawful use of a weapon, according to a release from the Algonquin Police Department. Lestek Zujko, of the 1,000 block of Applewood Lane, was charged with several offenses in relation to an incident that happened at 11:15 p.m. Friday, when he reportedly discharged a handgun inside of his home during a domestic disturbance, police said. Police added that multiple family members were in the home at the time, but no one was injured.

According to a release, the Algonquin Police Department was assisted by the McHenry County Sheriff’s Department SWAT Team, who conducted a high-risk search for Zujko inside of his home and determined he had fled the scene.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Department also provided K9 unit assistance, from Deputy John Forlenza and K9 Dax; additions Algonquin police said were instrumental in the arrest.

The Lake County Sheriff's Office said Deputy Forlenza and K9 Dax arrived to the scene at 5 a.m. and began a track. K9 Dax tracked Zujko from his home to a residential area southeast of his home.

Just 15 minutes later, K9 Dax detected the strong scent Zujko, who was seen running eastbound, approximately 200 feet ahead of Deputy Forlenza and K9 Dax, the sheriff's office said, adding that Deputy Forlenza warned the man to stop or K9 Dax would be released, as K9 Dax aggressively barked.

The sheriff's office said surrendered and was taken into custody, as authorities also determined he was armed with a firearm and additional ammunition.

“This is yet another extraordinary track and apprehension by Deputy Forlenza and his partner, K9 Dax," Sheriff John Idleburg said, in a statement. "Our Canine Teams train very hard to keep our community safe and are often called in situations where violent offenders have fled, after inflicting harm on others. We are very lucky to have four extremely dedicated and proven Canine Teams at the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.”

Zujko has been charged with two counts of reckless discharge of a weapon, one count of assault, one count of domestic battery, and two counts of unlawful use of weapon, Algonquin police said. He was taken to the McHenry Correctional Facility in Woodstock to await a bond hearing, according to police.

Patch will update this story as new information comes in.