Fox Lake man remains on the run

Police are still searching for a Fox Lake man who they thought had drowned when he jumped into the Chain O' Lakes to avoid being sent back to jail.

Fox Lake Police Lt. Joe Gliniewicz said Friday that police have received about a dozen tips about Jason K. Beacon, 29, since a rescue mission ended about 12:45 p.m. Thursday. At that time, police received a phone call from a relative of Beacon who said Beacon had contacted them to say he was safe and on the run.

“Nothing has panned out so far, and he was not found over night,” Gliniewicz said. “But, we are still actively searching for him and hope to have some results soon.”

Officials estimated dive crews from 10 to 20 neighboring fire departments spent as many as 14 hours on the water searching for Beacon after he was presumed drowned Wednesday night. Officials from the Fox Lake Fire Protection District continue to compile a detailed list of expenses associated with the search.

Beacon, who has a last known address on the 0 to 100 block of Maude Avenue, was free from Lake County jail since June 11 after posting the required 10 percent of a $10,000 bail. Jail officials said Beacon was arrested that day on charges of domestic battery and aggravated battery of a pregnant woman.

Gliniewicz said Beacon was in violation an order of protection when police were called about 9:09 p.m. Wednesday to the Maude Avenue home where he had been arguing with his girlfriend. Despite the order of protection, the girlfriend had been allowing him to stay in that residence, Gliniewicz said.

Beacon was not at the home when police arrived, Gliniewicz said, having elected to go for a walk to blow off steam.

About an hour later, police were called back to that residence by someone claiming Beacon had returned and was starting another argument.

Beacon again fled before police arrived, this time by jumping into Mineola Bay on Fox Lake about 10:30 p.m. to avoid being captured, Gliniewicz said.

Authorities later spotted Beacon about 100 yards from shore, and he told rescuers he would not get out of the water because “he didn't want to go back to jail,” officials said. They lost sight of him and assumed he went under water.

Police said Beacon is white, 6 feet tall and approximately 185 pounds. He has neck-length blonde hair and was last seen wearing gray shorts.

Anyone with information about Beacon is urged to call the Fox Lake Police Department at (847) 587-3100.