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The Vernon Hills Police Dept: 5 Shocking New Cases And How Chief Patrick Kreis Is Transforming Community Safety In 2025

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The Vernon Hills Police Department (VHPD), serving the Village of Vernon Hills, Illinois, is currently navigating a complex landscape of public safety, marked by significant high-profile incidents and a renewed focus on community-centric policing strategies. As of late 2025, the department, under the leadership of Chief Patrick L. Kreis, continues to emphasize transparency, officer professionalism, and proactive community engagement through innovative programs designed to build trust and address modern challenges like e-bike safety and mental health crises. The VHPD’s commitment is evident in its handling of recent critical cases and its ongoing efforts in police officer recruitment and training.

This deep dive explores the most current and impactful developments within the VHPD, from the biographical profile of its leadership to the details of shocking recent crime cases and the unique community programs that define its operational philosophy. Understanding these elements provides a comprehensive view of how the Vernon Hills police are working to maintain safety and quality of life for its residents in the rapidly evolving Lake County area.

VHPD Leadership and Key Personnel Profile

The operational success and strategic direction of the Vernon Hills Police Department are directly influenced by its experienced leadership team. The department is structured to ensure specialized focus on both daily operations and long-term support services.

  • Patrick L. Kreis, Chief of Police:
    • Tenure: Joined the Vernon Hills Police Department as Chief in 2017.
    • Career Highlights: Has served as a Chief of Police for over 10 years, previously with the Winnetka Police Department.
    • Military Service: Began his police service in 1991 after serving in the U.S. military.
    • Professional Role: Holds a prominent position as the Vice President at Large for the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), a role highlighted by his speaking engagement at the IACP 2024 conference.
    • Awards: Recognized for his dedication, including being named a 2023 Award Recipient by the Illinois Security Professionals Association.
  • Jeff Cielak, Deputy Chief of Operations: Oversees the daily patrol, investigative, and tactical functions of the department.
  • Shannon Holubetz, Deputy Chief of Support Services: Manages administrative, training, and community relations support functions.

Shocking Cases: Recent High-Profile Incidents in Vernon Hills

The VHPD has been actively involved in several significant and high-interest investigations in late 2024 and 2025, demonstrating the critical nature of police work in the community.

Attempted Murder Charge in Hawthorn Hills Square Shooting

One of the most serious recent cases involved a critical shooting incident near the Liquor Barn in the Hawthorn Hills Square shopping center, located at 700 N. Milwaukee Ave.

  • Incident Details: A male adult was critically wounded after being shot multiple times.
  • Arrest and Charge: Police swiftly investigated, leading to the charging of Jhonattan Garcia-Nava, 36, with attempted murder.
  • Location Significance: The incident in a major retail area like Hawthorn Hills Square drew significant public attention to safety in commercial zones.

Other Critical Incidents and Investigations

The department has also issued news releases on other serious events, underscoring their ongoing commitment to public safety and thorough investigation:

  • Fatal Pedestrian Crash and Death Investigation (May 1, 2024): The VHPD initiated a formal investigation into a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred in May 2024, alongside a related death investigation.
  • High-Speed Chase (October 2025): A pair of 17-year-old Lake County boys faced felony charges after allegedly leading Vernon Hills police on a high-speed chase.
  • Sexual Assault Arrest: In a case demonstrating long-term investigative work, police apprehended a 60-year-old man in August following an alleged rape that occurred more than ten months prior inside a parked car.

Innovative Programs and Community-Centric Policing

Beyond enforcement, the Vernon Hills Police Department is dedicated to preventative measures and community outreach, a core tenet of modern policing under Chief Kreis. These programs serve as vital links between the department and Vernon Hills residents.

The Citizen's Police Academy (CPA)

The VHPD hosts the Citizen's Police Academy each spring, offering a comprehensive, behind-the-scenes look at law enforcement operations to a select group of residents aged 21 and over. This program is crucial for fostering transparency and mutual understanding between the police and the community.

Youth and Community Engagement Initiatives

A key focus is involving youth and providing essential services to vulnerable populations:

  • Police Explorer Scouts: This program allows young adults to assist the department and gain valuable experience in law enforcement, fostering future recruitment and community service.
  • Premise Alert Program: Designed to assist the department in responding to calls involving residents with special needs or disabilities by providing officers with critical information before they arrive on the scene.
  • Social Services Integration: The department partners with OMNI Social Worker, Mr. Vel Vetri, to provide crisis outreach and social services directly at the Vernon Hills Police Department or in the community as needed, addressing mental health and social issues proactively.

Public Safety and Crime Prevention Programs

The VHPD coordinates numerous crime prevention and public safety programs managed by its Crime Prevention Unit.

  • E-Bike and Vehicle Education: The Village and the police department are actively making efforts to educate riders and guardians on the rules and realities of E-bikes and other motorized vehicles, addressing a growing public safety concern.
  • Free Gun Locks Program: To promote responsible firearm ownership and reduce accidental injuries, the department distributes free gun locks to Vernon Hills residents.
  • Prescription & OTC Drug Disposal: The department offers a safe and anonymous way for residents to dispose of unwanted prescription and over-the-counter drugs, preventing misuse and environmental contamination.
  • Vacation Watch: A service where officers keep an eye on residents' homes while they are away, enhancing security and deterring burglaries.

VHPD's Commitment to Professionalism and Recruitment

The Vernon Hills Police Department maintains a robust written directive system of Department Policies that clearly outline the standards, values, and expectations for all officers. This system is the foundation of their commitment to ethical and professional law enforcement.

Furthermore, the department is actively engaged in a Police Officer Recruitment drive, seeking to attract and train high-caliber individuals to join their team. This ongoing effort ensures the department remains fully staffed with dedicated professionals capable of upholding the department's mission and serving the Vernon Hills community effectively.

The VHPD's multifaceted approach—combining rigorous enforcement in high-profile cases like the Hawthorn Hills Square shooting, with innovative community programs like the Citizen's Police Academy and integrated social services—positions it as a model for proactive, modern police departments in Lake County and the wider Illinois region.

The Vernon Hills Police Dept: 5 Shocking New Cases and How Chief Patrick Kreis is Transforming Community Safety in 2025
vernon hills police dept
vernon hills police dept

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