News Flash

Carpentersville Police participated in the Feb. 6–9 Super Bowl weekend traffic safety campaign, issuing 32 citations and making 7 arrests. Enforcement focused on seat belt use, impaired driving, and overall roadway safety.

Carpentersville Police Department announces Super Bowl weekend enforcement results

Carpentersville, IL – The Carpentersville Police Department today announced that they were involved in the Super Bowl weekend “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement effort which ran from Friday, Feb. 6, through the early morning hours of Monday, Feb. 9. The goal was to increase roadway safety to ensure more people buckle up and follow all traffic laws and to keep impaired drivers off the roads.

Officers issued a total of 32 traffic citations and made 7 arrests. Enforcement focused on ensuring safe driving including identifying impaired driving involving alcohol, cannabis, and other drugs.

“Motorists should understand that we take impaired driving seriously and that seat belt and other traffic safety law violators will be ticketed. We do it to save lives,” said Chief Stankowitz. “Whether it’s alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs, impaired driving puts everyone at risk.”

The law enforcement campaign was made possible by federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

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Carpentersville Police remind residents to plan a sober ride home during Super Bowl weekend if celebrations include alcohol or cannabis. Extra patrols and enforcement will be in place from Feb. 6 through the early morning hours of Feb. 9.

This Super Bowl weekend, be a real MVP: Keep friends from driving impaired

Carpentersville, IL – Super Bowl weekend is here, and the Carpentersville Police Department is reminding football fans and Super Bowl partygoers that designated drivers are the best defense against the dangers of impaired driving. If your Super Bowl celebration involves alcohol or cannabis, plan for a safe ride home with a sober driver. If you’re hosting the party, take care of the designated drivers. Fans don’t let fans drive impaired. 

“To ensure everyone has a good time on Super Bowl night, we are reminding our community residents and guests to plan for a safe ride home,” said Chief Stankowitz. “Even one drink or hit can impair judgment. You should never put yourself, or others, at risk with the choice to drive impaired.” 

Extra patrols and enforcement will be conducted from Friday, Feb. 6, through the early morning hours of Monday, Feb. 9.

Whether you’re attending a party, hosting a small gathering, or going out to a bar, keep safety at the forefront of your day and night. When it’s time to leave, make sure your designated driver is sober. Remember that walking impaired can also be dangerous, so designate a sober friend to walk home with you. Also, sober driving isn’t the only law that should be followed. No matter where you are seated in a vehicle, you must wear a seat belt. Distracted driving and speeding will get you a citation.

If you’re heading out for a night of Super Bowl fun, make a game plan and follow these simple tips for a safe and happy evening:

• Drunk, high, or impaired by other drugs, it doesn’t matter. It is never okay to drive impaired. Designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely. If you’ve taken medication that can cause drowsiness or slow reaction time, choose a sober ride.
• Use your community’s sober ride program.
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement.
• Have a friend who is about to drive impaired? Take the keys away and plan to get your friend home safely.

The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is administered and funded by the Illinois Department of Transportation with federal highway safety funds managed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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On January 26, 2026, the Carpentersville Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 207 Orleans St. All occupants exited safely. One individual was treated for minor injuries. The fire was accidental, with an estimated loss of $100,000.

CARPENTERSVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENTNEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:January 27, 2026

FIRE DEPT MEDIA CONTACT:William Anaszewicz, Fire Chiefbanaszewicz@cville.orgPhone: (847) 426-2131Fax: (847) 426-3853Incident Date: January 26, 2026Incident Type: Structure FireIncident Location: 207 Orleans St.Civilian Injuries: 1Firefighter Injuries: N/AEstimated Loss: $100,000.00Cause: Accidental

Agencies Responding:Carpentersville Fire Department, Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District, Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District, East Dundee Fire Protection District, Rutland Dundee Fire Protection District, West Dundee Fire Department, Pingree Grove Fire Protection District, Hoffman Estates Fire Department, and Hanover Township Emergency Services.

Incident Narrative:

At approximately 18:34 hours, the Carpentersville Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the second-floor bedroom of an occupied, two-story, single-family residence. First arriving units reported heavy fire conditions visible from a second-floor window on the front side of the structure. The fire was brought under control at 18:50 hours.

All occupants had safely exited the residence prior to the arrival of fire department personnel. One individual was evaluated and treated at the scene for minor injuries and was not transported. Fire crews conducted primary and secondary searches, which were negative, followed by extensive overhaul operations in the area of origin.

The fire was accidental in nature. Damage to the residence is estimated at approximately $100,000.

Carpentersville Police have made an arrest in connection with the November 29, 2025 arson at 104 Meadowdale Ct., which displaced 24 families and resulted in a total loss of the building. Multiple felony charges have been approved.

Arrest Made in November Arson Investigation

Carpentersville, IL — The Police Department announced an arrest in connection with an arson incident that occurred on November 29, 2025, following an extensive and coordinated investigation.

On that date, officers and fire personnel responded to a reported fire at 104 Meadowdale Ct, which left the entire building a total loss and displaced 24 families. From the outset, department detectives treated the incident as a priority due to the severity of the offense, the level of property damage, and the potential risk to public safety. Detectives conducted a comprehensive investigation that included scene processing, evidence analysis, witness interviews, and coordination with partner agencies.

As a result of this work, the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office reviewed the case and approved the following charges against Garland H. McGhee (DOB: 10/22/1995), of the 1100 block of Pennsylvania Street, Gary, Indiana 46407:

On Wednesday, January 14th, Carpentersville detectives, working in partnership with the Indiana Department of Corrections and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Chicago Field Office, located and arrested McGhee in Indiana. Law enforcement officers took him into custody without incident. Office 847.551.3481 Fax 847.426.5969 Kevin Stankowitz kstankowitz@cville.org Interim Chief of Police www.cville.org

Police Department 1200 L.W. Besinger Drive Carpentersville, IL 60110

The Police Department recognizes the exceptional diligence, persistence, and professionalism demonstrated by its detectives throughout this investigation. Their efforts, combined with strong interagency cooperation, proved critical to identifying the offender and securing a successful resolution.

This investigation remains a strong example of the department’s commitment to holding offenders accountable and protecting the community through thorough investigative work and collaborative law enforcement partnerships.

Interim Chief Kevin Stankowitz 

847-551-3481 

kstankowitz@cville.org

Carpentersville Police participated in Illinois’ holiday traffic safety campaigns from Dec. 12–Jan. 5, focusing on impaired driving and seat belt use. Officers issued 12 seat belt citations along with additional traffic violations.

For Information, Contact:

Deputy Chief Kevin Stankowitz

847-551-3481

kstankowitz@cville.org

Holiday campaign brings impaired drivers to justice, boosts seat belt use

Carpentersville, IL— This past holiday season, Carpentersville Police teamed up with the Illinois Department of Transportation and law enforcement agencies statewide for the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “Drive High. Get a DUI.” and “Click It or Ticket” campaigns. From Dec. 12 through Jan. 5, officers focused on removing impaired drivers from the road and ensuring that motorists were properly buckled.

From rural routes and small-town streets to busy suburban arterials and city expressways, the goal was the same: to prevent crashes and save lives.

The result? A safer holiday season with (12) citations for seat belt violations, as well as citations for speeding, distracted driving, and other traffic offenses. 

“We can’t stress it enough: impaired driving is a deadly gamble, no matter where you live,” said Deputy Chief Stankowitz. “Whether it’s alcohol, cannabis, or any other drug, driving impaired is illegal, irresponsible and puts lives at risk — yours, your passengers’, and everyone else’s on the road. That’s why we do this.”

The holiday enforcement campaign was administered by IDOT with federal highway safety funds managed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and is part of Illinois’ “It’s Not a Game” statewide media outreach program.

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Carpentersville Police participated in Illinois’ Thanksgiving safety campaign from Nov. 21–Dec. 2, issuing 6 speeding citations, 1 DUI arrest, and 39 other traffic citations. The effort focused on seat-belt use, impaired driving, and distraction.

Carpentersville Police Department Releases Thanksgiving enforcement numbers

Carpentersville, IL — From Nov. 21 to Dec. 2, Carpentersville Police participated in the statewide “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” mobilization to reduce crashes and save lives. Enforcement focused on seat‑belt use, speeding, distraction, and alcohol‑ and drug‑impaired driving, including cannabis.

During the campaign, Carpentersville Police reported:

(6) speeding citations

(1) electronic device use citations

(1) DUI (alcohol and/or drugs) arrests

(39) other traffic citations

(1) traffic arrests

(7) criminal arrests

“These results reflect our commitment to a safe community,” said Chief Shaver. “Impaired is impaired, whether you use alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs. Combine that with not wearing a seat belt, and the consequences can be deadly. Please buckle up and plan a sober ride every time.”

This Thanksgiving enforcement effort is supported by federal traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation and aligns with Illinois’ statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “Click It or Ticket” and “It’s Not a Game” campaigns — because on our roads, it’s not a game.

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Carpentersville Police conducted a successful fall enforcement campaign from Oct. 24–Nov. 3, resulting in one DUI arrest, two seat belt citations, and 89 other traffic violations. The effort supports Illinois’ “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” initiative.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

11-5-25

Carpentersville Police announces results of fall enforcement campaign

Carpentersville, IL – Carpentersville Police Department conducted a successful Halloween enforcement safety crackdown, resulting in (1) impaired driving arrest and (2) citations for seat belt and child safety seat violations. Additionally, officers issued (89) citations for various traffic offenses.   

Law enforcement agencies across Illinois participated in this statewide effort to save lives by removing impaired drivers from the roadways and ensuring more drivers and passengers were properly buckled up. 

The fall enforcement campaign, which ran from Oct. 24 through Nov. 3, was part of the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" and "Drive High. Get a DUI” initiatives.

This enforcement effort was made possible through federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

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Carpentersville Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Route 31 near Gentle Breeze Terrace early October 26. Three people were taken to local hospitals, and one has died from their injuries. The investigation remains ongoing.

NEWS RELEASE

Media Contact:Deputy Chief Kevin StankowitzCarpentersville Police Department(847) 551-3481kstankowitz@cville.org

*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*

Fatal Traffic Crash – Route 31 and Gentle Breeze Terrace

Carpentersville, IL – On October 26, 2025, at approximately 03:46 am, officers from the Carpentersville Police Department responded to a report of a traffic crash at Route 31 and Gentle Breeze Terrace.

Preliminary investigation indicates that a car traveling northbound on Route 31 collided with another vehicle, which was heading southbound on Route 31. Three people were transported to local area hospitals. One of those people has died due to injuries sustained from the crash.

The roadway was closed for approximately six hours while investigators from the Carpentersville Police Department and the Kane County Accident Reconstruction Team (KCART) conducted the on-scene investigation. The roadway has since reopened.

The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending family notification. The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information about this crash is asked to contact the Carpentersville Police Department at 847-551-3481.

Deputy Chief Kevin Stankowitz847-551-3481kstankowitz@cville.org

The Carpentersville Police Department’s Labor Day weekend enforcement resulted in 2 DUI arrests and 1 seat belt citation. The effort was part of Illinois’ statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket” campaigns.

Carpentersville Police Department announces results of Labor Day safety campaign

 Carpentersville, IL – Carpentersville Police Department successfully conducted an impaired driving enforcement effort over Labor Day weekend, resulting in 2 arrests for driving under the influence. Additionally, 1 seat belt citation was issued.

“Through the Labor Day safety campaign, we helped to make our roads safer and spread the word about the risks of impaired driving – ‘It’s Not a Game,’” said Chief Shaver.

 Carpentersville Police Department collaborated with other law enforcement agencies and highway safety partners across the state for the Illinois Labor Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Drive High Get a DUI” campaign.

 This effort was part of the statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “Drive High Get a DUI” and “Click It or Ticket” initiatives, funded by federal highway safety funds through the Illinois Department of Transportation.

On August 15, Carpentersville Police detectives executed a search warrant on Pawnee Road, resulting in the arrests of two suspects linked to a recent shooting. Both face multiple felony charges and remain in custody as the investigation continues.

Search Warrant Leads to Arrests in Recent Shooting Investigation

**Carpentersville, IL** — On August 15, 2025, detectives from the Carpentersville Police Department executed a search warrant at a residence in the 1500 block of Pawnee Road. This was part of an investigation into a recent shooting in the community that resulted in three victims.

During the operation, two suspects were taken into custody without incident: one adult and one juvenile. The adult suspect, identified as 21-year-old Rafael Ruiz Jr. from Aurora, Illinois, was found to have five outstanding warrants. He was charged with one count of attempted murder (Class X felony), three counts of aggravated battery with a firearm (Class X felony), and one count of possession of a firearm by a street gang member (Class 2 felony).

The juvenile suspect, a 17-year-old male from Carpentersville, faces charges including one count of attempted murder (Class X felony), three counts of aggravated battery with a firearm (Class X felony), one count of possession of a firearm by a street gang member (Class 2 felony), and one count of obstructing justice (Class 4 felony).

Both suspects are currently in custody.

The swift execution of this search warrant and the arrests underscore the outstanding efforts of our investigators and the strong collaboration with the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office. The Carpentersville Police Department remains dedicated to ensuring the safety of our community and holding offenders accountable for acts of violence. The investigation is ongoing.

Deputy Chief Kevin Stankowitz847-551-3481kstankowitz@cville.org

Carpentersville Police are investigating an August 13 shooting on Navajo Drive that injured three people. Two victims have been released; one remains hospitalized. This appears to be an isolated incident with no ongoing threat to the public.

On the evening of August 13, 2025, four individuals were seated in a vehicle parked in a driveway in the 1200 block of Navajo Drive when two people approached them. A confrontation ensued, during which three of the four individuals inside the vehicle were shot. The two offenders fled the scene immediately after the incident.

 The driver of the vehicle attempted to reach a local hospital while someone inside called 911. Carpentersville police officers quickly located the car at the intersection of Randall Road and Broadsmore Drive in Algonquin, where they began administering life-saving measures to the victims. Their swift actions ensured that all three victims were promptly transported to area hospitals. Two of the victims have since been released, while the third remains hospitalized in stable condition.

 Carpentersville police detectives are actively investigating this case and following up on several leads. Based on the information gathered so far, this appears to be an isolated incident, and there is no ongoing threat to the public. 

 The Carpentersville Police Department commends the responding officers, dispatchers, and medical personnel whose quick response and professionalism helped save lives last night.

 Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Carpentersville Police Detective Sergeant Acevedo at 224-293-1716 or submit an anonymous tip through our online portal, which can be found by visiting www.cville.org.

 Our hearts go out to the victims and their families affected by last night’s senseless act of violence.  We stand united in our commitment to seek justice.

 Deputy Chief Kevin Stankowitz847-551-3481kstankowitz@cville.org 

Carpentersville Police issued 29 citations and made 1 impaired driving arrest during Fourth of July enforcement efforts, joining over 200 agencies in statewide campaigns to promote safe driving.

The Carpentersville Police Department participated in statewide traffic safety campaigns from June 20 through July 7, resulting in the issuance of multiple citations and one impaired driving arrest.

During the Fourth of July “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “Drive High Get a DUI,” and “Click It or Ticket” campaigns, Carpentersville Police made one impaired driving arrest related to alcohol and cannabis use, issued five seat belt citations, and issued 23 citations for distracted driving.

This effort was part of a larger statewide initiative involving more than 200 law enforcement agencies across Illinois. The goal was to remove impaired drivers from the road and encourage safe driving habits, especially seat belt use.

These campaigns are funded by federal traffic safety funds and administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). The enforcement effort was also supported by IDOT’s “It’s Not a Game” media campaign, which highlights the serious consequences of impaired and distracted driving.

The Carpentersville Police Department remains committed to keeping our roads safe for everyone in the community.