Lake County Gazette

Lake County Sheriff's Deputies, along with the Sheriff’s Tactical Response Team, apprehended a man following a shots fired call in unincorporated Gurnee. The incident occurred on July 5, 2025, around 2:15 a.m., when deputies responded to the 18600 block of Highfield Drive after receiving reports of gunfire. A 911 caller reported seeing a man and woman shooting from their yard.

Upon arrival, deputies spoke with Nazareth T. Collins, 34, the occupant of the home. They observed several discharged firearm rounds in the yard but were met with uncooperative behavior from Collins and others inside when they requested to search the residence. Suspecting firearms were still inside, deputies obtained a search warrant with assistance from the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office.

The warrant was approved at approximately 6:20 a.m., and shortly thereafter, the Tactical Response Team executed it. In Collins' bedroom, deputies found over 500 grams of cocaine, over 40 grams of MDMA pills, over 1,400 grams of cannabis, over 35 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, and alprazolam pills. However, no firearms were located; investigators believe they may have been removed by another individual before their arrival.

Following an investigation, charges against Collins include unlawful possession with intent to deliver cocaine (Class X Felony), psilocybin (Class 2 Felony), MDMA (Class 2 Felony), and other related drug offenses. Further charges regarding firearm discharge are possible.

Collins is held pending an initial court appearance scheduled for this morning. The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office plans to file a petition for his detention while awaiting trial. "All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law."

Information from this article can be found here.