Missing Island Lake Teen Last Seen Leaving Party: Sheriff

ISLAND LAKE, IL — The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a male Island Lake teen reported missing by a family member on Saturday. According to a news release from the sheriff's office, the investigation shows 17-year-old Abe Gonzalez from the 3200 block of Poplar Drive, Island Lake, was at a gathering at a home in the 26700 block of North Morey Street, unincorporated Wauconda Friday. Gonzalez left the gathering around midnight and was described as being highly intoxicated, and hasn't been seen or heard from since, according to the sheriff's office.

According to witnesses, Gonzalez's cell phone ran out of battery power around the time he arrived at the gathering, the release said.

Gonzalez is described as being 5’8, 176 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes, authorities said. He left the home wearing a gray sweatshirt, blue jeans, and white shoes, the release said.

The investigation was turned over to Lake County Sheriff's Detectives Tuesday evening after Island Lake Police conducted the initial missing person investigation. On Wednesday morning, sheriff's detectives and the Wauconda Fire Protection District conducted a sonar search of Slocum Lake, located in the area where Gonzalez was last seen, the sheriff's office said. However, the search did not reveal anything of investigative interest, according to the release.

Several police canines conducted another search of the immediate area Wednesday, as did sheriff’s deputies and auxiliary deputies, authorities said. Sheriff’s detectives have been speaking with those who were at the Friday gathering, and are also working on getting video surveillance from area residents and businesses.

Another search will take place Thursday morning, the sheriff's office said. At this time there is no evidence to suggest foul play, according to the sheriff's office.

Anyone who might have any information on Gonzalez is encouraged to contact the Lake County Sheriff’s Office at 847-377-4250 or send a tip via lakecountyil.gov/sheriff.

Patch will continue updating this news as more information becomes available.