An 81-year-old woman was found dead inside a Vernon Hills home Friday after police say her 50-year-old son barricaded himself inside for hours before SWAT officers moved in and took him into custody.
How police say it unfolded
Officers were called to the 500 block of Saddlebrook Lane for a well-being check, according to a Vernon Hills Police Department release cited by the Daily Herald. After briefly speaking with the man inside, police say he stopped communicating and barricaded himself in the house.
SWAT officers with the Illinois State Police and the Northern Illinois Police Alarm System were brought in. When tactical teams eventually entered the residence, they found the decomposing body of an 81-year-old woman, according to the department’s release.
SWAT response and arrest
Authorities say the standoff stretched on for several hours before tactical units were able to safely take the 50-year-old man into custody. He was not hurt during the arrest and was taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation, according to CBS Chicago.
Coroner and investigation status
The woman’s body was turned over to the Lake County coroner’s office, and officials have not yet released her name, pending formal identification, FOX 32 Chicago reported. Investigators have not announced a cause or manner of death, and police say the case remains under active investigation.
Charges and next steps
As of Friday night, no charges had been filed, and the son remained under medical evaluation, according to ABC7 Chicago. While the scene was being processed, the Vernon Hills Police Department asked the public to stay away from Saddlebrook Lane near Museum Boulevard, a warning that was reported by NBC Chicago.
The Lake County coroner will determine the cause and manner of death following an examination. Police are asking anyone with information or relevant video to contact the Vernon Hills Police Department at (847) 362-4449 or through the village website at Vernon Hills Police Department.
