Crime
HVAC worker found fake guns and bomb materials at Lake Meadows apartment in Chicago
A significant police presence was deployed to an apartment building at 533 East 33rd Place in Chicago’s Lake Meadows neighborhood on Monday morning, following reports of suspicious materials discovered by an HVAC contractor.
Melissa Carraway, an HVAC contractor servicing radiators in the building, stumbled upon a cache of concerning items in one of the units.
Among the items reported were materials resembling explosives, rifles, various forms of identification, chemicals, and insignia associated with the City of Chicago and public safety departments. Carraway recorded a video of the findings before contacting 911.
The unit allegedly belongs to a male tenant described as a Middle Eastern Muslim, though authorities have not confirmed the identity or released further details.
The discovery prompted an immediate response from multiple agencies, including the Chicago Police Department (CPD), Bomb Squad, SWAT, K-9 units, the FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Residents were evacuated as law enforcement secured and searched the building.
After several hours of investigation, CPD declared the scene “all clear” around 1:30 p.m., determining that the items posed no actual threat. The explosives and rifles were found to be non-functional or fake.
Authorities detained a male resident of the apartment, but he has not been formally charged. Records indicate the individual had a prior history with law enforcement. In 2022, he was fired from the Chicago Fire Department after allegedly threatening a mass shooting at the city’s fire academy. Following that incident, he was taken into custody after a standoff with CPD. Despite this, he was later employed by another city agency, where he remains employed as of today.
In addition to the fake explosives and rifles, investigators discovered identification badges, including City of Chicago and private security credentials, as well as insignias for Chicago police and fire departments. The items’ purpose or significance remains under investigation.
Residents were allowed back into the building after hours of evacuation. The discovery caused unease among tenants, particularly given recent incidents involving explosives nationwide.
Carraway expressed her alarm upon finding the items, stating, “You hear about bombings in places like New Orleans and Las Vegas, and it scared me. I called immediately to make sure this was handled properly.”
Law enforcement agencies are continuing to investigate the incident to determine the suspect’s connection to the materials and assess any potential threat.
Further details about the suspect’s identity and potential charges are expected to be released as the investigation unfolds. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to authorities.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
Crime
16-Year-Old Shot and Killed by Off-Duty Deputy During Shoplifting Confrontation at Walmart in Poinciana
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — A 16-year-old male was shot and killed Thursday evening during a confrontation inside a Walmart store in Poinciana, according to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Christopher Blackmon said the incident occurred shortly before 8:00 p.m. at the Walmart located at 904 Cypress Parkway.
An off-duty deputy working security at the store was alerted by a loss prevention officer that three individuals were allegedly concealing merchandise inside their clothing.
As the deputy and store personnel attempted to make contact near the front of the store, one of the suspects reportedly fled while holding a firearm. Sheriff Blackmon stated that the deputy discharged his weapon, striking the armed individual.
“Our deputy fired downrange at the suspect and took him out,” Blackmon said during a media briefing.
The suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene. Authorities later confirmed he was a 16-year-old resident of Poinciana. His name has not been publicly released.
The two other individuals who were reportedly with the teen fled the store immediately following the shooting.
Early dispatch information indicated that two male subjects wearing dark clothing left in an unknown direction, prompting a coordinated search effort.
Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office assisted Osceola County authorities with perimeter operations and area searches. Shell casings were recovered at the scene, and a K-9 unit was deployed to assist in tracking.
By Friday, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the two additional individuals had been identified and accounted for.
One is a juvenile and the other is an adult in his 20s. It remains unclear whether charges will be filed.
Polk County deputies cleared the scene later in the evening, and the investigation remains under the jurisdiction of the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities confirmed that the deputy involved in the shooting was not injured.
In accordance with standard protocol for deputy-involved shootings, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is conducting an independent investigation into the use of force.
Officials have urged the public to avoid speculation while the investigation remains active.
Additional details, including further information about the deceased teen, are expected to be released as the inquiry progresses.