Lake County Gazette

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office reported the successful capture of a man who fled from Wisconsin authorities and was suspected of having a kidnapping victim in his vehicle. The operation involved telecommunicators, patrol deputies, and K9 Simba.

On September 8, 2025, shortly after 1 a.m., the Lake County Sheriff’s 911 center received an alert from Racine Police regarding a vehicle fleeing into Illinois on Route 45 following a domestic dispute. The driver, identified as Aaron J. Kirksey, aged 30, from Racine, was spotted by a sheriff’s sergeant near Route 41 and Wadsworth Road. When deputies attempted to stop him, Kirksey accelerated to over 100 mph and disregarded traffic signals until telecommunicators coordinated with OnStar to slow the vehicle. Deputies subsequently found the car abandoned on Stearns School Road with an adult woman inside who was safely rescued and unharmed.

According to Lake County's press release, Sheriff’s Deputy Christopher Sinceno and K9 Simba tracked Kirksey to a wooded area where he was discovered hiding under bushes and taken into custody. Following review by the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office, Kirksey faced charges including aggravated fleeing to elude, aggravated speeding, reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, and several traffic violations. He is currently held at the Lake County Jail pending a court appearance while Racine authorities continue their investigation for potential charges in Wisconsin.

"From our 911 emergency telecommunicators to our patrol deputies, terrific collaboration resulted in apprehending this dangerous man," said Sheriff John D. Idleburg. "Every day our staff works tirelessly to keep the community safe, and I am very proud of everyone involved in this incident."

The Lake County Sheriff's Office is tasked with maintaining order and upholding laws within the community. It emphasizes service through education, communication, partnerships, and enforcement with an aim to build public trust. The office's core values include integrity, respect, and professionalism. It holds accreditation that ensures adherence to recognized standards in law enforcement since its establishment in 1839.