Island Lake ponds searched for missing man

Police and rescuers searched two small Island Lake ponds Thursday, but failed to turn up any signs of a missing McHenry-area man, authorities said.

Officials from the McHenry County Sheriff's Office said in a news release the search was concluded about 2 p.m. and Michael Babincsak "was not located in any of the search areas."

Babincsak, 59, of unincorporated McHenry County, was reported missing by family members May 29, said Aimee Knop of the McHenry County sheriff's office.

As part of the investigation, a helicopter flew over the two small ponds near Route 176 and Roberts Road on Wednesday afternoon, Knop said. When nothing was spotted, rescuers using side-scan sonar were called in to conduct a water search, she said.

Knop said Babincsak had been known to go fishing in the ponds, so it was worth checking.

Family member Mark Bianchi said he told police about the ponds and how Babincsak used to fish there.

"I've known him over 35 years, and I kind of know what he does," Bianchi said. "I heard he was dropped off in the area around the same time he went missing, so I was hopeful they'd find him back there."

He added, "I sure do hope they find him pretty soon. We gotta find him. I know he needs help and is probably hurt somewhere."

Knop said Babincsak is 6 feet, 1 inch tall and weighs about 270 pounds. He has brown eyes and brownish gray hair, and was last seen wearing a white T-shirt and gray sweatpants.

Anyone with information is urged to call the McHenry County sheriff's office at (815) 338-2144.