Former Island Lake Trustee Arrested After Allegedly Kicking Woman at Crystal Lake-Area Restaurant

A former Island Lake village trustee is facing multiple charges after authorities say he damaged a restaurant door and kicked a woman in the stomach during an altercation at a restaurant near Crystal Lake.

Harold England, 59, of Island Lake, was arrested August 7 following an incident at Carlos River Cafe, located at 1707 Nish Road in unincorporated Crystal Lake.

England has been charged with assault, battery causing bodily harm and criminal damage to property over $500.

According to a criminal complaint filed in McHenry County Circuit Court, the incident occurred around 3 p.m. when England allegedly pushed open a glass door with enough force to damage the door’s swing closer. The door reportedly struck an electrical outlet, causing the glass to crack.

Damage to the property was estimated at more than $500 but less than $10,000.

The confrontation allegedly escalated when England raised a closed fist over his head in a manner that led a woman to believe he was going to punch her after she did not provide information he was requesting.

Authorities allege that after England was asked to leave the restaurant, he stopped while walking away and kicked the woman in the stomach.

The woman suffered swelling and bruising to her stomach and was transported to a hospital for treatment.

The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office responded after a customer called 911 and reported an allegedly intoxicated individual had battered the restaurant’s owner. Police radio traffic indicated dispatchers later received another 911 call from England, who reportedly said he was not intoxicated and acknowledged being involved in an argument inside the restaurant. He told dispatchers he had left the restaurant and was waiting in his vehicle outside.

Deputies arrived at the scene, investigated the incident and arrested England. He was subsequently transported to the McHenry County Jail.

England previously served on the Village of Island Lake Board of Trustees from 2017 until 2021.

He appeared in court August 8 and was released from custody. The charges against him are considered non-detainable offenses under Illinois’ SAFE-T Act.

As conditions of his release, McHenry County Judge Jennifer Johnson ordered England to have no contact with the woman involved or the restaurant. He was also ordered not to leave Illinois without court permission and prohibited from possessing dangerous weapons.

England is scheduled to return to court September 4 for a preliminary hearing status.

The allegations against England have not been proven in court, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.