Suspicious Bag Shuts Down Event At The Commons: Mayor

NEW LENOX, IL — A soft rifle case discovered lying in the grass at a popular event in the New Lenox Commons Friday was brought by a woman who had filled it with toys to give away to a child there, New Lenox Mayor Tim Baldermann said late Friday night.

The discovery of the case prompted the immediate cancelation of the event, out of precaution and concern for the public's safety. Police within hours were able to use video evidence of the incident to pinpoint what happened, Baldermann said.

The woman who brought the case handed it to another woman, who took the toys and left the case behind, Mayor Tim Baldermann said late Friday. Baldermann had earlier said the case did not contain a weapon, but did hold other items that the police collected for evidence, including a hat with a wig attached to it and another hat.

The bag was spotted just two hours into the event, and Baldermann immediately canceled the remainder of it.

"As you should know from the fact that we didn't cancel the 4th of July fireworks due to there being no known or implied threat to our community despite the tragedy in Highland Park, tonight was a different set of circumstances," Baldermann wrote on social media.

Police were called, with assistance from Will County Sheriff's officers. An investigation began immediately.

"In a matter of three hours, the police handled a difficult situation safely and professionally, and they were able to find the video evidence of the incident," Baldermann said. "Additionally, due to us sharing the information with the public, caring and concerned citizens reached out to share the information we needed to resolve the issue quickly."

Baldermann said that while disappointing the event was canceled, it was a decision made out of precaution.

"I try to address every situation with an even-keeled, common sense approach," Baldermann wrote on social media. "After consulting with our police leadership, I quickly made the decision to cancel the remainder of the event. Given these circumstances, I would make that same decision to protect our visitors and staff every time."