Juvenile Charged in Smoke Bomb Incident at Barrington Ice Arena

A student was charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct, Dec. 13, for setting off a smoke bomb at the Barrington Ice Arena, Dec. 7.

The incident occurred during a game was between the Barrington Bronco Hockey Club and the Crystal Lake South Hockey Club.

Lake County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the disturbance at the Barrington Ice Arena, 28205 W. Commercial Avenue, in Lake Barrington, at 8:30 p.m. When they arrived, they saw a large crowd evacuating the arena due to the smoke, according to a news release from the sheriff’s office.

Lake County Sheriff’s Lieutenant Christopher Thompson said there were about 150 to 200 people at the ice arena that evening.

 “When you incite something like that people are truly terrified. There is a risk of trampling and serious injury,” Thompson said.

Two players from the Crystal Lake team were transported by Barrington Fire and Rescue to due to smoke inhalation and the fact that both players suffered from asthma.  They were treated and released.

 The games that night had to be cancelled while the Sheriff’s Office investigated the incident.

Thompson said the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office could have charged the 17-year-old with a felony had the outcome been more serious.

“Quite frankly lives were put at risk. There is a mindset that this was just a practical joke that won’t affect anyone,” Thompson said. “Kids commit prank like acts on occasion, but they don’t usually put people at risk like this one did.”

Investigators from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office worked with Barrington District 220 officials to determine the identity of the student. He was brought to the Criminal Investigations Division, Tuesday night, with a parent, and has been referred to the juvenile system.

In the news release Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran said,  “This incident could quite possibly have been much worse. I am pleased with the cooperation we shared with the Village of Lake Barrington and Barrington school officials in this matter and that the person responsible for this reckless act is being held accountable for his behavior.”