Arlington Heights Man Lured Kids To Apartment, Took Off Clothes: Cops

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — A 54-year-old Arlington Heights resident is facing felony charges following an incident last week in which police said he persuaded two juveniles to follow him into his apartment under the pretext he needed assistance getting into his building. James Krook, 54, of the 2100 block of Tonne Drive, is accused of kidnapping (class 2 felony), child luring (class 4 felony), and was arrested Tuesday, according to a news release from the Arlington Heights Police Department.

Krook was due in court Wednesday for a bond hearing in Rolling Meadows.

According to police, they were called to the area of Krook's home at around 2 p.m. Aug. 9, after an eyewitness saw two juveniles standing outside on an apartment patio screaming. The witness overheard Krook yell at the children. The witness confronted Krook, before escorting the juveniles to safety.

Following an investigation they called "comprehensive and detailed," police determined the juveniles were playing outside in the apartment complex common area when they were approached by Krook, who was utilizing a walker. Krook then persuaded the juveniles to follow him into his apartment because he needed assistance getting into the building. The victims assisted Krook in entering the building and then walked him to his apartment.

Police then said that once the kids were near the apartment, Krook began cursing at them and told them not to leave. He then intimidated them into entering his apartment, where he offered them beer. The victims exited through the patio door and told Krook they wanted to leave. Police said Krook responded angrily, utilizing vulgar language and demanding they re-enter the apartment. When the victims refused, Krook used vulgar language and said, “well, I am going to take my clothes off,” according to the news release.

Police said Krook then began to remove his shirt and pants, before he was confronted by the witness, who took temporary custody of the juveniles.