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Residents press Lake Forest council on a recent home invasion; police describe investigation as 'isolated'
Summary
Two residents urged the council to strengthen public safety after a home invasion; Interim Police Chief Michael Lang said investigators and outside agencies are involved and described the incident as "very, very isolated," offering to meet with neighbors for more details.
During the public comment portion of the Lake Forest City Council meeting on May 6, residents raised concerns about a recent home invasion in a neighborhood near Greenvale.
Vince Sparrow told the council he and his neighbors were "concerned about the incident in our neighborhood with the home invasion" and asked what additional steps could be taken to safeguard the area. The city manager and staff suggested a follow‑up meeting with police for a more detailed briefing.
Interim Police Chief Michael (Mike) Lang said the department is actively investigating and is working with multiple outside agencies. "This specific incident is a very, very isolated incident," Lang said, adding the department does not believe the crime was a targeted attack on a particular house. Lang offered to meet with neighborhood residents, either at the station or in the community, for a fuller briefing and follow‑up.
Resident Kate Galloway said her neighbor — an 87‑year‑old woman — had the door kicked in and was restrained during the incident and that detail "was left out of the police report." She said her neighborhood had experienced multiple break‑ins and expressed concern that Lake Forest had developed a reputation as an easy target for outside gangs; she urged the council to take the trend seriously.
City Manager Jason Wishow and interim Chief Lang encouraged residents to arrange a meeting with police to review specifics and discuss neighborhood safeguards. No formal council action or motions were taken during public comment; the council said staff would facilitate follow‑up meetings with law enforcement.
