A Zion resident was charged with criminally trespassing at a Lake County airport Tuesday afternoon, following an unusual set of circumstances.
Lake County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched about 11:55 a.m. Tuesday, August 20, 2024 to a report of a driver in a Toyota racing back and forth on an active runway at Campbell Airport in unincorporated Grayslake.
The driver of the Toyota, later identified as Erik Deanda-Gonzalez, age 30, of the 3300 block of Holdridge Avenue, Zion, then parked his car and began entering hangers at the airport. Lake County Sheriff’s deputies arrived to find Deanda-Gonzalez inside an aircraft parked near a taxiway. Employees at the airfield informed deputies that Deanda-Gonzalez did not own the aircraft and had no business being inside of it.
Deanda-Gonzalez exited the aircraft and spoke to sheriff’s deputies, and they all walked back toward Deanda-Gonzalez’ Toyota. Sheriff’s deputies asked Deanda-Gonzalez questions about his actions at the airfield, when, without warning, Deanda-Gonzalez turned around, ran back toward the aircraft, and attempted to crawl back inside. Sheriff’s deputies pulled him out of the aircraft and put him into custody.
Deanda-Gonzalez did not provide any explanation for his actions, and he was transported to the Lake County Jail. Sheriff’s deputies located ammunition in Deanda-Gonzalez’ vehicle, prior to it being towed from the scene. No firearm was located.
After reviewing the facts and circumstances of the incident, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the following charges:
Criminal Trespass to an Airport Runway (Class 3 Felony)
Criminal Trespass to an Airport (Class 4 Felony)
Resisting a Peace Officer (Class A Misdemeanor)
Unlawful Possession of Firearm Ammunition Without a FOID Card (Class A Misdemeanor)
Criminal Trespass to Property (Class B Misdemeanor)
All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
— Lake County Sheriff’s Office
On August 21, 2024, Deanda-Gonzalez appeared in First Appearance Court, where he was released with conditions. He is next due in court on September 3, 2024, at 9:00 a.m.
The FAA was notified of the incident.
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