On June 23, 2026, at approximately 9:26 a.m., River Forest Police units responded to a report of a male subject throwing rocks at people near the Metra Station at 7979 Hawthorne. Officers searched the tracks and the nearby forest preserve but were unable to locate the offender. While checking the area, officers were notified of a male matching a similar description who had just battered several children and an adult in the forest preserve. No serious injuries were reported, and the investigation was turned over to the Cook County Forest Preserve Police.
At approximately 12:02 p.m. that same day, River Forest Police responded to the 100 block of Thatcher for a report of a male who attempted to strike a person with a crowbar concealed in the sleeve of his jacket. The description again matched the previous incidents.
Officers located the suspect, identified as Daron Gray, 32, of Chicago, near Washington Boulevard and Park Avenue. Upon contact, Gray immediately punched the first approaching officer in the face. Gray was ultimately taken into custody without injury after resisting arrest and spitting on assisting officers. A metal crowbar-type device was recovered from his sleeve. No members of the public were injured during this incident.
The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Felony Review Unit approved two counts of Felony Aggravated Battery to a Police Officer, one count of Resisting Arrest, and one count of Aggravated Assault. Gray was processed and will appear at a detention hearing at the Maybrook Courthouse in Maywood.
Media Contact: Chief James Greenwood
(708) 366-8500 ext. 329
jgreenwood@vrf.us
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