Barrington, IL – An Illinois man, Jaime C. Romero, 51, was apprehended by Lake County Sheriff’s K9 Dax after escaping from a hospital following his arrest for allegedly strangling and battering his girlfriend. The incident occurred on December 31, 2023, in the 400 block of Route 22, unincorporated Barrington.
According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Romero, from Island Lake, initially faced charges of aggravated domestic battery. After being transported to the hospital, he fled on foot, prompting an immediate response by the sheriff’s office, including K9 Dax and Deputy Forlenza. The canine team tracked Romero to a nearby doctor’s office, where he resisted arrest and struck K9 Dax before being taken into custody.
Romero now faces additional charges, including striking a police animal and resisting arrest. The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office has approved these charges. Sheriff John D. Idleburg commended the swift action of the sheriff’s dispatchers and deputies, as well as the skill of K9 Dax in handling this situation.
Romero’s detention hearing is scheduled for January 2, 2023.
