Lake County, IL – An undercover operation aimed at halting illegal gun sales took a dangerous turn in Beach Park on Friday, leading to the arrest of three individuals, including a teenager from Beach Park. The Lake County Sheriff’s Department, collaborating with the ATF, orchestrated the sting that exposed the perilous lengths to which gun traffickers will go.
During the sting, a 17-year-old suspect allegedly threatened an undercover officer with a semi-automatic pistol, demanding money for the firearm he was purportedly selling. The quick response of backup officers prevented any harm, resulting in the teenager’s arrest along with two others who were serving as lookouts. One of the accomplices was a 16-year-old from Kenosha, and the other was identified as 22-year-old Patrick Neal of Beach Park, both found armed with heavily modified weapons.
A subsequent search at the teen’s residence unearthed an arsenal, including an AR Pistol among other firearms and ammunition, underscoring the gravity of the operation. Sheriff John D. Idleburg commended the bravery of his team and highlighted the importance of such operations in combating violent crime and illegal gun trafficking.
The three individuals are now facing multiple charges, emphasizing the legal consequences of engaging in gun trafficking and threats against law enforcement officers.
