Lake Barrington News: Lake County Sheriff Searches for Chicago Murder Suspect Osceola Little, Possibly Armed and Dangerous

BARRINGTON, Ill. (WLS) — Authorities in Lake County, Illinois, are searching for a potentially armed and dangerous man wanted in connection with a murder in Chicago.

The Lake County Sheriff's Office said Osceola Little, 38, was driving a pickup truck with a female passenger inside when he rear-ended another vehicle on Route 14 at Pepper Road in Lake Barrington around 12:30 p.m.

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Witnesses told sheriff's deputies that Little fled the scene on foot. He is 5'10″ tall and weighs about 165 pounds. He was last seen wearing a white T-shirt and blue shorts.

Several people were watching the aftermath of the accident when police turned their attention to a woman standing next to them and talking to them.

“They started coming towards us and took her away,” one witness said.

The woman appeared to be trying to blend in with onlookers after the crash, Lake County Sheriff's Deputy Christopher Covelli said, but police located her at a nearby gas station about 90 minutes after their search began.

Video shows officers taking him away, and ABC7 has blurred his face because no charges have been announced.

The woman is in custody and police recovered two guns, including one from the gas station restroom, Covelli said. The sheriff's office believes the gun belongs to the woman or Little.

Authorities had been searching for Little for several hours Tuesday night and Covelli said they had established a perimeter around the scene.

Police from several surrounding jurisdictions, drones and K-9 units are searching for Little. An Illinois State Police aircraft is also headed to the scene to assist in the search.

Covelli asked residents in the area of ​​Highway 14 at Pepper Road to remain vigilant. Closures of Highway 14 were still in effect in the area as of 6 p.m. and could continue for several hours.

“We fear he is armed. Do not approach him,” Covelli said.

Barrington School District 220 said Countryside Elementary School, Roslyn Road Elementary School, Barrington High School and the district's administrative center have been placed in the building. & Teaching mode Tuesday afternoon out of an abundance of caution.

“This means there is a police situation outside of these buildings that requires all individuals to remain inside the building. Access to these buildings is also prohibited at this time. All students and staff are safe and classes are continuing as normal,” the district said in a message to families.

The students have since been released to their guardians.

The sheriff's office asked anyone who sees Little to call 911. Do not approach the suspect.