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November 22, 2022

The City of Highland Park Police Department is continuing to investigate a suspicious vehicle that was potentially used in a burglary, following an encounter with the vehicle on Saturday, November 19 that resulted in police activity on Roger Williams Ave. near Rosewood Park. A report of a suspicious vehicle precipitated this law enforcement activity, which underscores the critical role of community awareness in crime prevention.

At approximately 3:30 PM on Saturday, November 19, Highland Park police responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle backed into the driveway of a home under construction on the 100 block of Roger Williams Ave. The report of a black GMC Acadia with opaquely tinted windows matched the description of a vehicle potentially used in a burglary in a neighboring community.  

Responding officers observed the vehicle traveling west on Roger Williams Ave. Highland Park police blocked the vehicle’s path with a police vehicle with emergency lights, a parked delivery van, and additional police vehicles. After several minutes of refusing to comply with commands from police, the driver attempted to drive around the blockade and wedged the vehicle between the parked delivery van and the bridge guard rail.

Officers continued attempts to engage with individuals in the vehicle, and in total, the subjects refused to comply with officers’ commands for more than 15 minutes. Because officers could not see into the vehicle and because individuals inside refused to comply, additional officers were called to the scene, including from neighboring jurisdictions.

Seven vehicle occupants were detained for questioning without incident. Evidence was collected. Further investigation is being conducted with other jurisdictions. In addition, Highland Park police contacted homeowners in a 2-block radius of the incident to request information related to the incident and answer questions regarding the police response. 

An increase in burglaries and thefts is a nationwide trend that is not unique to Highland Park. Highland Park police officers are proactively working to prevent burglaries with increased patrol staffing, allowing officers in unmarked vehicles to be deployed on patrol during peak burglary hours, focusing on burglary prevention and detection efforts.

Community assistance in remaining alert for suspicious vehicles and behaviors is very helpful to police officers working to prevent burglaries and thefts in our community. Individuals may contact the public safety non-emergency line at 847.432.7730 with reports of suspicious vehicles or activities.

City administrative offices will be closed on Thursday, November 24, and Friday, November 25, for Thanksgiving, reopening on Monday, November 28. Please call the public safety non-emergency line at 847.432.7730 if non-emergency assistance is required over the holiday weekend. In an emergency, always dial 911. We wish you a happy Thanksgiving!

There will be no refuse and recycling collection on Thursday, November 24. Residents with regular Thursday collection will receive service on Friday, November 25, and those with regular Friday collection will receive service Saturday, November 26. Please contact Lakeshore Recycling Systems at 773.685.8811.

The next City Council meeting will be held on Monday, November 28, beginning at 5:30 PM.

The agenda will be available by end of day Wednesday, November 23 at cityhpil.com/agendacenter.

This year, the Moraine Township Food Pantry anticipates serving nearly 200 families with Thanksgiving meals. Donations of non-perishable pantry staples are greatly appreciated during the holiday season and throughout the year.

In addition, Moraine Township is also hosting gift drives for local income-qualified children and seniors.

Individuals may sponsor an eligible Highland Park/Highwood student in grades pre-K through 12 (and their younger siblings.) Wish lists will be provided for children in pre-K through grade 5; children in grades 6-12 will receive a Target gift card, giving them the opportunity to select items independently. Individuals may also donate to Moraine Township to sponsor a child in need. Further details are available here.

Individuals interested in sponsoring a senior to receive small gifts and grocery gift cards may donate online.

Donations may be dropped off at Moraine Township, 800 Central Ave., Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM. Please note that Township offices will be closed on Thursday, November 24, and Friday, November 25.

In partnership with the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, and Planning/Aging, the City is exploring ways to continue supporting residents transitioning towards aging-in-in community.

Share your thoughts at a community meeting on Wednesday, November 30, from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at the Highland Park Country Club, 1201 Park Avenue West.

Feedback may also be submitted via a survey.

Keep kitchen safety in mind this Thanksgiving holiday. The Illinois State Fire Marshal reports that Thanksgiving is the peak day for kitchen fires, with more than three times the average reported on the holiday.

Stay safe in the kitchen with these tips:

• Always stay in the kitchen when you are cooking food. Double-check for simmering, baking or roasting food regularly.
• Keep countertops and other surfaces clean and clear of towels, paper towels, or other objects that can burn easily.
• Keep children and pets away from the stove. Creating a three-foot zone around the stove will help prevent any injuries or burning from occurring.
• Keep only necessities in the kitchen. There should be no toys, bags, shoes, or anything else nearby to prevent tripping.
• Make sure there are no dangling cords off the counter within easy reach of a child.
• To ensure smoke alarms are working, click the test button on it before starting to cook.

If you will be frying a turkey, follow these tips from the Fire Marshal:

• Do not overfill the oil in the fryer. Fill the pot you plan to use to fry the turkey with water and place the turkey in. This will help to determine how much oil is needed without causing oil to spill. Oil spills can lead to a fire.
• Use the turkey fryer outdoors only.
• Make sure your turkey is completely thawed before frying.
• Use long cooking gloves to protect your hands and arms when handling the pot.

In an emergency, always dial 911. Non-emergency requests may also be directed to the public safety non-emergency line at 847.432.7730.

Beginning Monday, December 5, Metra will be adding stops to certain outbound trains, requiring the adjustment of some arrival times at other stations. Outbound trains 307 and 311 to Waukegan will now depart two minutes later.

Additionally, temporary changes to the departure times of inbound weekday evening trains that were made on November 1 will also end. Inbound trains 366, 368, 370, 372, and 374 to Chicago will depart 30 minutes earlier than on the temporary construction schedule. The new schedule can be found here.