Fox Lake Man Makes Initial Appearance On Charges He Carried Gun On School Grounds

(Fox Lake) A Fox Lake man charged with carrying a weapon on school grounds during a Halloween event made his initial appearance in court Monday. Jesse Denruiter is facing a felony count of Possession of a Firearm on Grounds of a School.

A Fox Lake police officer was called to the school, redacted in the criminal complaint, for a report that someone was open carrying a handgun in a holster on October 23rd. An event called Trunk or Treat was underway, where roughly 100 adults and children were waiting in line for candy.

The officer located Denruiter who reportedly was holstering a black semi-automatic handgun. When questioned, Denruiter allegedly said he was unaware that he could not carry a weapon in the parking lot of a school. The 28-year-old left without incident.

Later, police came to collect the gun for evidence and told Denruiter that it was a felony to possess a firearm on school property. Denruiter reportedly said that this was harassment and he would be contacting the sheriff’s department. He allegedly added that it was an accident the gun was with him at the school and that he forgot he was carrying it.

If convicted, Denruiter faces three-and-a-half years in prison. A signature bond was set at $1,000 and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 24th.