Gurnee man accused of approaching boys, alarming neighborhood

Gurnee police say a man has been charged after driving to a school bus stop and attempting to talk to boys at least twice last week, alarming a neighborhood in the process.

Edmund K. Conarchy, 40, of 7496 Bittersweet Drive, was charged with two counts of disorderly conduct, Gurnee police Cmdr. Jay Patrick said Monday. Conarchy surrendered to police Friday after a Lake County judge issued an arrest warrant.

Patrick said the incidents happened near the bus stop at Abby Road and Aster Drive in the Bittersweet subdivision on Gurnee's west side. He said boys ranging from ages 11 to 13 were at the bus stop.

Four boys were at the stop about 7:55 a.m. June 10 when Conarchy drove up in his blue 2006 Hummer H3 and spoke to them through an open window, reportedly inquiring when the last day of school was scheduled, said authorities. Police said some parents were in the vicinity.

Patrick said Conarchy told investigators he "felt sorry" the children were still in school and was trying to be friendly. He said the boys reported the incident to their parents and a vehicle description was provided for a police report.

Conarchy was spotted driving past the bus stop June 11, said police, but no children were present. Patrick said a resident reported noticing the vehicle.

Because of the two incident reports, said Patrick, a squad car was stationed near Aster and Abby about 7:30 a.m. June 12. An officer witnessed Conarchy's Hummer veer to the wrong side of the street where a boy stood at the bus stop, Patrick said.

After the boy fled, the cop stopped Conarchy and explained how his actions were "upsetting and alarming" to the children and their parents, Patrick said. Conarchy, who didn't speak to the boy, was allowed to drive off in the Hummer, police said.

Gurnee investigators conducted further interviews with parents and one of the boys last week before obtaining information that was presented for review by the Lake County state's attorney's office, said Patrick. The prosecutors approved the two disorderly counts against Conarchy.

Patrick complimented the parents and children for giving enough detailed information that led authorities to Conarchy.

"Kids did the right thing," Patrick said. "The parents did the right thing. That's how we were able to work on it."

Conarchy, who's free on $1,000 bail, is due in Lake County circuit court July 11.