Gurnee Man Tased While Resisting Arrest For Burglaries: Sheriff

GURNEE, IL — A Gurnee man on parole for previous felony offenses is facing several charges including felony burglary after detectives from the Lake County Sheriff's Office reported seeing him trying to steal a skid steer machine from a parking lot in unincorporated Waukegan, and burglarizing cars at several other Waukegan locations, according to a release from the sheriff's office. According to the sheriff's office, the arrest of 57-year-old David G. Walker, Sr., of the 3700 block of Grand Avenue, stems from surveillance efforts by sheriff's detectives who are looking to find and arrest those who might be part of an increase in burglaries happening to cars in the Beach Park and unincorporated Waukegan areas.

During the overnight hours of Wednesday, July 17 through early morning Saturday, July 20, sheriff's detectives surveyed several spots.

According to the release, Walker was seen and is accused of trying to steal the skid steer machine at 3 p.m., July 18 from a parking lot in the 35800 block of North Northern Avenue, before he gave up and left the area.

However, between 1:30 a.m. and 3 a.m. Saturday, July 20, Walker was also seen and is accused of burglarizing from cars in Waukegan in the 1500 block of Wilson Avenue, the 1400 block of North Avenue, and the 1300 block of North Jackson Street.

Walker then drove to a motel in the 600 block of North Green Bay Road in Waukegan where sheriff’s detectives tried arresting him, the release said. Walker is accused of trying to drive away from deputies, and in the process hitting the motel with the 2005 Ford F150 he was driving, according to the sheriff's office.

While still resisting arresting, Walker was tased and then arrested, according to the sheriff's office. He was taken to a local hospital after reportedly complaining of pain from being tased, and was then taken to the Lake County Jail where he's being held on $75,000 bail, the release said.

Before his most recent arrest, Walker was on parole for felony theft and felony driving with a revoked driver’s license, according to the sheriff's office. However, the sheriff's office claims the Illinois Department of Corrections wouldn't issue authorities a parole violation warrant for Walker based on the new charges he faces. The following charges were approved by the Lake County State's Attorney's Office:

• Two counts of felony burglary
• Three counts of felony driving while license revoked
• One count of felony criminal damage to property
• One count of misdemeanor attempted theft
• One county of misdemeanor resisting a peace officer

According to the sheriff's office, all the property Walker is accused of stealing while being watched by detectives has been recovered. His next court date is set for Aug. 7.

“Nobody has the right to steal your valuables and we will always do everything we can to protect the community’s homes, vehicles, and property," Sheriff John Idleburg said, in the release.

In the release, Sheriff Idleburg added the following steps to help avoid being targeted by thieves:

• Always lock your vehicle/house doors
• Remove valuables from plain sight
• Utilize exterior lighting
• Consider an alarm/video surveillance system
• Report suspicious activity by dialing 911

Patch will update this story as new information becomes available.