Police Respond To Report Of Drunk Man With Gun: Authorities

LAKE COUNTY, IL — Police in Lake County were able to successfully de-escalate a "tense situation"Monday involving a drunk man who was armed with a gun and threatening to hurt himself, police said Tuesday.

The Lake County Sheriff's Office was called to the incident in the 27700 block of North Orchard Drive in unincorporated Wauconda at about 5 p.m. Monday for a report of the intoxicated man with a firearm who was threatening to take his own life, according to a news release from the sheriff's office.

When deputies arrived at the home, they were able to talk with the man after he came out of his home, according to the news release. They were able to coax him to put down his gun and walk toward them.

Deputies retrieved the gun, and the man was then taken to a local hospital for a mental health evaluation.

Police searched the man's home and found seven rifles and shotguns and thousands of rounds of ammunition, according to authorities.

Police notified the Illinois State Police and submitted a "clear and present danger" form.

The situation demonstrates the skills police are needing to use every day to de-escalate situations instead of using force, said Lake County Sheriff John D. Idleburg.

"Our deputies yet again slowed down the situation. They took their time to speak to the man in distress with compassion. This is another example of how the staff at the sheriff’s office, from our emergency dispatchers to those responding to the scene, utilize de-escalation skills, instead of force," he said. " This is an example of what they do every single day. I am very proud of all of those involved in deescalating this tense situation.”