Huntley police investigating after 8-year-old duct-taped to pole in park

Huntley police are looking into a report of bullying at Deicke Park Monday afternoon involving two teenagers who are alleged to have duct-taped an 8-year-old boy to a pole and stolen his 6-year-old brother's candy, police said.

The incident occurred around 1 p.m. The boys' mother reported what happened to police and father posted it on a Huntley Facebook chat group attempting to track down the teens' parents.

The boys were using the outdoor fitness equipment at the park, off Route 47 near Stingray Bay Family Aquatic Center, when they were approached by two teenagers riding bicycles. One of the teenagers grabbed the 8-year-old's wrist, took his candy, and duct-taped his wrist to a pole on the fitness equipment, police said.

"The offenders rode away on bikes," Deputy Chief Mike Klunk said.

The 6-year-old boy sought help from a park employee who cut the duct tape releasing the 8-year-old and then contacted the boys' mother. The teens are believed to be 15 to 17 years old. They were described as wearing black shorts, and black and green T-shirts with "Fortnite" logos. They were last seen riding bikes toward Mill Street, police said.

"At this point, we haven't identified the kids but we're still looking into it," Klunk said. "The park district has been notified. We've actually got a teen forum starting tomorrow (Tuesday) through Thursday. We will be out there at Deicke Park. We're also going to step up our patrols in the park."

Police are asking anyone with information about the bullying incident to call (847) 515-5311 or leave an anonymous message on the police Tip Line (847) 515-5333.

The Huntley High School Summer Forum is an annual three-day program for incoming freshmen jointly sponsored by the Huntley and Lake in the Hills police departments and McHenry County sheriff's office. It will include discussions on bullying/cyberbullying, teen-dating violence, current drug and alcohol trends, and internet and social networking dangers.