McHenry man faced charges after recklessly forcing police to stop while attempting to arrest an officer in Fox Lake

A McHenry man threatened to kill police officers on social media and has been charged after officials say he recklessly forced a police unit to stop and tried to arrest the officer in Fox Lake.

Fox Lake Police Sgt. Rick Howell said Eric D. Walleck, 51, of McHenry, observed a marked Fox Lake police cruiser traveling north on Route 12 around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Walleck began weaving recklessly through traffic while honking his horn and flashing his headlights to catch up with the squad, Howell said.

Finally he passed the patrol car, turned his vehicle abruptly in front of the troop and then came to an abrupt stop.

The officer activated the emergency lights and initiated a traffic stop on Walleck.

Howell said Walleck immediately exited his vehicle with handcuffs in his hand.

Walleck approached the officer and said he was going to arrest her.

The officer ordered him to return to his vehicle. He returned to his vehicle and fled the scene at a high rate of speed, Howell said.

Police were also aware that Walleck made threatening comments on social media.

Howell said Walleck offered a cash reward for arresting police officers.

In a social media post on the man's Facebook profile, Walleck said that he “issues warrants to law enforcement officers here in Illinois” and that he will “call law enforcement dead or alive.”

“American citizens are preparing for a major shootout with law enforcement against a presidential candidate,” Walleck said, describing himself as a 2024 presidential candidate.

Fox Lake police obtained an arrest warrant Wednesday for Walleck on charges of aggravated assault on a peace officer, aggravated assault with a motor vehicle, reckless driving and fleeing to elude.

Walleck was arrested about 3:15 p.m. Wednesday at his home in the 1000 block of Hayden Drive in McHenry Township, Howell said.

He was taken to the Lake County Jail and is awaiting an initial hearing at the Lake County Courthouse in Waukegan.