North Cook News

Illinois State House District 18 candidate Charles Hutchinson stated that crime is becoming more violent in his district and that "people deserve to live, work, and go to school in safe neighborhoods." He made the statements in a July 20 Facebook post.

"Crime in our district is becoming more violent," said Hutchinson, according to Facebook. "No word from our representative about ending the SAFE-T Act. People deserve to live, work, and go to school in safe neighborhoods. I will fight to end the SAFE-T Act and make our communities safe again."

In his Facebook post, Hutchinson shared a link to a news article from The Record North Shore about an attempted armed robbery in Winnetka where two suspects fled on a moped. According to The Record, the incident happened on July 19 in the 600 block of Locust Street, where one suspect stepped off a moped and pointed a gun at an individual in a vehicle before demanding their watch, keys, and car. The attempt was unsuccessful as the victim refused and yelled for help, causing the perpetrator to return to the occupied moped and flee the area.

Screenshot of Charles Hutchinson's July 20 Facebook post | Charles Hutchinson's campaign Facebook page

The Winnetka Police shared information about the incident on its Facebook page, including descriptions for both suspects. According to that Facebook post, one suspect is male with olive skin and stands 5’8" tall, weighing about 150 pounds. He is thought to be in his early to mid-20s with short dark brown hair; he had a black handgun in his waistband and spoke with an accent. The second suspect is believed to be male with possibly olive skin, a thin build, and believed to be in their mid-20s. That individual wore a helmet and a dark face mask, while the first suspect wore dark navy blue pants and shirt. Multiple agencies searched for the individuals following the report of the crime but were unsuccessful in apprehending them. Winnetka Police said the two may be armed and dangerous and urged residents to call 9-1-1 to report any suspicious activity. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Hutchinson is a lawyer in Wilmette focusing on estate planning, business, real estate, and property tax appeals. He started his firm right out of law school, according to his company website. According to his campaign website, he is an Independent Republican, and his platform includes parental rights, education, safe neighborhoods, and lower taxes.