The Boulder Hill Independent

19/09/2024

14/09/2024

Sheriff’s Office Investigates Fatal Traffic Crash

The Kendall County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a single-vehicle traffic crash that occurred at approximately 8:51 PM on Friday, September 13, 2024, on Minkler Road near the intersection with Reservation Road in unincorporated Oswego Township.

The preliminary investigation indicates a vehicle, driven by 17-year-old Sean Fader of Oswego, IL, was traveling southbound on Minkler Rd when the car left the roadway, striking a tree and catching fire. Fader was the only occupant of the vehicle and was pronounced deceased at the scene of the crash.

This investigation is ongoing and being coordinated along with the Kendall County Coroner’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office received assistance from the Oswego Police Department and the Bristol-Kendall Fire Protection District.

16/04/2024

Update 4:45 PM: ROADWAY IS OPEN.
----------------------------------

ROAD CLOSURE DUE TO ACCIDENT - ROUTE 30 CLOSURE at BRIARCLIFF

Police are on the scene of a significant accident warranting road closures.

Route 30 westbound is closed from Douglas to Briarcliff and northbound Briarcliff is closed from Route 30. Please avoid the area and seek alternate routes.

16/04/2024

6 schools on lockdown

**Update as of 10:24 pm on 04/16/2024:

The Naperville Police Department currently has one juvenile person of interest in custody and the investigation continues. As we have more information, we will share it.

The victim is a 22 year old male from Naperville.**

Naperville Police Investigating Shooting

On Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at the approximate time of 1:30 p.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 2500 block of Leach Drive for the report of a gunshot victim. Police and Fire personnel arrived on scene and located a victim suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a local hospital. The wound is believed to be non-life threatening. Preliminary investigation indicates this was not a random act.

The offenders reportedly fled on foot in an unknown direction of travel. Several schools in the area were placed on lockdown and a shelter in place Naper Notify Alert was sent to surrounding residents.

This is an active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the Naperville Police Department at 630-420-6665 and ask for the Investigations Division.

15/04/2024

April 15, 2024 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SHOOTING LEAVES ONE PERSON INJURED, SUSPECT DECEASED

On April 15th, 2024, at approximately 7:31 AM, Aurora Police officers were dispatched to the 700 block of Charles Street for a disturbance inside a residence. While officers responded to the scene, a 911 caller reported a male inside the residence was armed with a gun.

As officers arrived on scene, they heard a gunshot from within the residence. The front door of the residence opened, and a 43-year-old female exited, stating she had been shot. Aurora Officers rendered aid to the female and turned her over to Aurora Fire Department paramedics. AFD transported the female to a local hospital for treatment, where she remains in serious condition.

As additional officers responded to the scene to establish a secure perimeter around the residence, the male fled the scene. Officers requested further assistance from members of the Aurora Special Response Team (SRT). SRT ultimately entered the residence and found no one inside. Officers identified the vehicle the offender fled in within minutes of the shooting. That information was disseminated to police agencies statewide.

At approximately 10:30 AM, the offender’s vehicle was located by the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office. A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle in the 2100 block Cottage Road in Wilmington, Will County, Illinois. At that time, the man exited his vehicle, fired a weapon at himself, and was pronounced deceased. The identity of the man is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
The Will County Coroner’s Office will release the man’s identity following an autopsy on April 16th, 2024.

Detectives from the Aurora Police Department’s Investigations Bureau responded to the scene on Charles Street and began investigating the specific circumstances of the incident. Evidence Technicians also responded to the scene to identify and collect forensic evidence from the shooting. Based on information available at this time, detectives determined this is a domestic related issue and there is no threat to the community.

The investigation into the incident remains active. Anyone with information is asked to call Aurora Police’s Investigations Division at (630) 256-5500.

# # #

P.I.O. Lt. Joseph Howe #963
(APD Report: AUPR24004767)

15/04/2024

Earlier this morning the Sheriff’s Office was requested to assist a nearby law enforcement agency by attempting to locate an individual in relation to an incident they were investigating. A vehicle similar to the one associated with the individual was located in the vicinity of Long Beach Elementary School.

School administrators were immediately contacted and as a precaution Long Beach Elementary was briefly placed in a “secure building.” This means access was restricted for anyone attempting to enter or leave the school building. The vehicle was quickly found to have no connection to the investigation and the “secure building” at Long Beach was lifted.

The individual being sought has since been located by another law enforcement agency. There is no ongoing community threat in relation to this incident.

15/04/2024

A St. Charles woman is hospitalized in critical condition after the vehicle she was driving collided head-on with a bus from Northern Illinois University carrying 22 passengers. At approximately 8:39 pm last night, the Kane County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the area of Illinois Route 38 at...

15/04/2024

Accident Investigation, please avoid the area.

The following areas are currently closed due to a accident.
(Maple Park-Elburn)
-Keslinger at Francis
-Route 38 at Meredith
-Route 38 at Freeland

No further updates are available at this time.

14/04/2024

13/04/2024

‼ TRAFFIC ALERT - ROAD CLOSURE ‼

Aurora Police are investigating a serious injury crash northbound Route 59 between Liberty St (Jefferson Av, Naperville) and Meridian Parkway (Glacier Park, Naperville) on the city's far east side.

Northbound Route 59 will be closed at Jefferson Av during the investigation.

13/04/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/62tG2L2zgB5qB1Dd/?mibextid=oFDknk

The Aurora Fire Department is mourning the loss of one of our own. FF Recruit Cristian Medrano unexpectedly passed away this morning. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. Arrangements will be announced at a future time.

12/04/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/hiBjvyfYi2EVr89p/?mibextid=oFDknk

A Second Individual is in Custody in Connection with Ongoing Aggravated Vehicular Hijacking Investigation

Charges have been filed and a second individual is in custody in connection with an ongoing aggravated vehicular hijacking investigation that occurred in the 0-100 block of Seneca Drive in the Boulder Hill Neighborhood.

Additional investigation by detectives led to the identification of the second individual believed to be involved in this incident. The investigation was aided by information received from our community and from working with our law enforcement partners. As a result 20-year-old Edward Dampier, of Maple Lane in Hazel Crest, is facing one count each of Aggravated Vehicular Hijacking (Class X felony), Vehicular Hijacking (Class 1 Felony), Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle (Class 2 felony), and Possession of Converted Motor Vehicle (Class 2 felony) in connection with this incident.

Dampier turned himself in at the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. He will appear before a Judge for a detention hearing on April 18, 2024.

For previous news releases about this incident please follow this link: kendallcountyil.gov/Home/Components/News/News/5849/425 #!/

**The public is reminded that criminal defendants are presumed innocent until the government is able to prove its charges in court beyond a reasonable doubt.**

10/04/2024

UPDATE:

The Aurora Police Department is seeking the public's assistance in locating a missing endangered juvenile.

Name: Alexander Delarosa
Age: 11
Height: 5'02"
Weight: 200

Alexander is believed to be last seen in the area of the 1200 block of E New York Street earlier today. Alexander was dropped off by a school bus in the area of N Sumner Avenue / E New York Street at approximately 2:45pm. He is believed to be last seen wearing a black t-shirt with anime cartoon designs and blue joggers. It is believed Alexander may also be in the area of the Aurora Transportation Center based on preliminary reports. Alexander has a mental health diagnosis which raises the concerns for his safety.

The Aurora Police Department’s K-9 Team, Drone Pilots, Detectives, Crisis Intervention Unit, and Aurora Emergency Management Agencies Search & Rescue Team are actively searching for Alexander.

We are encouraging anybody with information on where Alexander can be located to please contact Aurora Police Detectives at 630-256-5500 or for an immediate sighting please call 911.

A photograph provided by Alexander’s mother is attached and the mother has provided permission to disseminate Alexander’s photograph and personal information.

27/03/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/SCpqpkQiBBh5wRpv/?mibextid=oFDknk

March 27, 2024 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

POLICE INVESTIGATE SHOOTING THAT LEFT MAN WITH CRITICAL INJURIES

On March 24th, 2024, at approximately 2:19AM, Aurora Police officers were called to an alley in the 700 block of E. New York Street after a local resident heard someone screaming for help. Officers arrived on scene and located an 18-year-old male suffering from gunshot wounds inside a parked vehicle.

Aurora Fire Department paramedics arrived on scene and transported the man to a local hospital for treatment of critical injuries. No other injuries were reported during the incident.

Detectives from the Aurora Police Department’s Investigations Bureau responded to the scene and began investigating the specific circumstances of the incident. Evidence Technicians also responded to the scene to identify and collect forensic evidence from the shooting.

The investigation into the incident remains active. Anyone with information is asked to call Aurora Police’s Investigations Division at (630) 256-5500. You can also call the Aurora Area Crime Stoppers at (630) 892-1000 or visit www.p3tips.com/135 to report information regarding the incident anonymously.

Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards up to $5,000 and anonymity to people who furnish information leading to the arrest of felony crime offenders and the capture of felony fugitives.

# # #

P.I.O. Lt. Joseph Howe #963
(APD Report: AUPR24003823)

07/03/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/1qvGWVHQDbKkGmWc/?mibextid=oFDknk

Temporary daily lane closures are scheduled to occur in both directions of US Route 30 at Dauberman Road on Tuesday, March 12th and on Thursday, March 14th, weather and logistics permitting. US Route 30 will undergo intermittent roadway closures in both directions to allow crews to safely off-load and set the new bridge beams over US Route 30 at Dauberman Road and the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway in Big Rock, IL.

These roadway closures are estimated to last 15 to 20 minutes each and will occur throughout both days between the hours of 4 am and 5 pm. These temporary road closures are being done for the safety of the public and to allow crews better access to the site.

Media Contact:
Ken Mielke
Asst. Chief of Construction
(630) 406-7172
[email protected]

28/02/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/khzAgcJRvSNJHcAp/?mibextid=oFDknk

The Kane County Sheriff's Office, along with Kane Comm and the Kane County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) continues to monitor the weather we are experiencing associated with tornado sightings and reported damage on February 27, 2024.

Per information received from OEM, we are experiencing moderate tree and wire damage in the South, Central, and North Central areas of Kane County, Illinois. Come daylight, we will be provided with more information. We may be utilizing the Kane County Drone Team to assess damage further to see if any further emergency response is required for those hit the hardest with structural damage. We are incredibly thankful there are no injuries reported thus far, but we will continue to monitor the situation and the reports coming in.

Updates will be provided when new information when it becomes available. We will be working around the clock to assess the damage within this area and assist our communities affected the most moving ahead.

17/02/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/dtSTQt1EH26TWejN/?mibextid=oFDknk

Deputy Chris Ruchaj Final Arrangements:

Visitation:

Friday, February 23rd, 2024 from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM

***Special Law Enforcement walk through line-up at 6:45 PM***

Harter Middle School Gymnasium
1601 Esker Dr.
Sugar Grove, IL

Full Honor Police Funeral:

Saturday, February 24th, 2024. Doors open at 10:00 AM, Service begins at 11:00 AM

Harter Middle School Gymnasium
1601 Esker Dr.
Sugar Grove, IL

Police Procession From Funeral Service:

Squads will be staged with assistance from IL COPS and will begin immediately following the service. All non-KCSO squads are asked to continue east on Rt 38 or north on Rt 47 from that intersection as we return Chris to the funeral home in downtown Elburn.

Donations:

Donations can be made by check to support his three children to the “Deputy Chris Ruchaj Memorial Fund” and can be delivered to the visitation, funeral service, or mailed to:

Deputy Chris Ruchaj Memorial Fund
Kane County Sheriff’s Office
c/o Sheriff Ron Hain
37W755 Rt 38
St Charles, IL 60175

16/02/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/rrpUwry3KuqhehmN/?mibextid=oFDknk

Yorkville Man Charged With Numerous Offenses Following Disturbance at Oswego Residence

Thirty-year-old Walter King, of Yorkville, is charged with multiple offenses following an investigation by members of the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office.

On January 27th, 2024, deputies were summoned to an apartment on Light Rd in Oswego in reference to a domestic disturbance at the residence. King is alleged to have forced his way into the apartment and threatened the occupants, one of whom had a previous relationship with King and had acquired an order of protection against him. King had fled the scene before the deputies arrival.

The facts and circumstances surrounding this investigation were reviewed with the Kendall County State’s Attorney’s Office and the following charges were approved: two counts of Home Invasion (each is a Class X felony), two counts of Residential Burglary (each is a Class 1 felony), two counts of Criminal Trespass to Residence (each is a Class 4 felony), one count of Violation of an Order of Protection (a Class 4 felony), two counts of Endangering the Life of a Child (each is a Class A misdemeanor), one count of Criminal Damage to Property (a Class A misdemeanor), one count of Aggravated Assault (a Class A misdemeanor), one count of Theft (a Class A misdemeanor), and two counts of Violation of an Order of Protection (a Class A misdemeanor).

A warrant was issued for King’s arrest on February 8th, 2024. He was taken into custody on Wednesday, February 14th, 2024, by members of the United States Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force. Following a court hearing, King was ordered to be detained while he awaits his next court appearance, and is currently in custody at the Kendall County Jail.

**The public is reminded that criminal defendants are presumed innocent until the government is able to prove its charges in court beyond a reasonable doubt.**

14/02/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/MyiQMChkTd9C5Mka/?mibextid=oFDknk

Kane County Deputy Sheriff Chris Ruchaj (1973-2024)

Media Release

It is with great sadness that Kane County Sheriff Ron Hain and Undersheriff Amy Johnson share the news of the death of one of their own.
Deputy Christopher Ruchaj, age 50, passed away unexpectedly of cardiac arrest on February 14, 2024, at his home. He had been a part of the Kane County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) family since 1997.

“There are no words to express our gratitude and appreciation for his many years of service and dedication to both the KCSO and the community he served,” said Kane County Sheriff Ron Hain. “Deputy Ruchaj was an extraordinary friend, co-worker and brother.”

During his tenure, Deputy Ruchaj served on the patrol and warrant divisions and was currently working as the Community Resource Officer at Kaneland High School in Maple Park. Counselors have been made available to students and staff at the school as they process the loss of Deputy Ruchaj. Assistance is also being offered to his colleagues with the KCSO.

Deputy Ruchaj was known for his passion for helping guide kids towards a positive path in life. He recently participated in a roundtable discussion concerning online safety, emphasizing the importance of parents engaging in conversations with their teenagers about the enduring nature of social media content.

When not in uniform, Deputy Ruchaj was a cherished father of three and friend to all who knew him. He also previously served the Sugar Grove community as a Fire District Trustee.

Deputy Ruchaj was, and will remain, highly regarded by those who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.

13/02/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/wjDUztkGxoD7E4Ep/?mibextid=oFDknk

We are currently on scene in the 300 block of Drayton Court investigating a residence which appears to have been struck by a bullet. There were no injuries. At this time it doesn’t appear that the residence was targeted. Police will be in the area investigating. If you have any information please contact us at 630-553-4340.