Heavy Police Response Places Waukegan 7 Brew on Lockdown During Armed Incident

WAUKEGAN, Ill. — Customers and employees at a newly opened 7 Brew Coffee in Waukegan were forced into lockdown after a large police response unfolded near the shopping center on Tuesday, as officers searched for and confronted an armed suspect.

The incident occurred near the Grand Avenue shopping corridor, close to Dollar Tree and several other businesses. Multiple Waukegan police officers responded to the area, prompting nearby businesses to secure their doors while authorities worked to bring the situation under control.

Pulse Radio 96.1 witnessed the incident firsthand while inside 7 Brew during the response.

Employees quickly locked down the business as police vehicles surrounded the area. Customers and staff remained inside while officers searched for the suspect outside. The situation created a tense atmosphere as law enforcement moved throughout the shopping center.

Witnesses observed officers ultimately confronting and taking the suspect into custody, bringing the incident to an end. Once authorities determined the area was secure, businesses were allowed to resume normal operations.

At this time, Waukegan police have not publicly released the full sequence of events that led to the response, nor have they announced whether anyone was injured or if criminal charges have been filed.

The incident comes just days after the grand opening of Waukegan’s first 7 Brew Coffee location, drawing significant attention to what is typically one of the city’s busiest commercial corridors.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has additional information is encouraged to contact the Waukegan Police Department.

Pulse Radio 96.1 has reached out to Waukegan police for additional details and will update this story as more information becomes available.