In an unexpected turn of events, what began as a report of gunfire early Saturday morning in Lake County, Illinois, led deputies to uncover a significant drug operation inside a suburban home.
According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a 911 call around 2:15 a.m. on the 18600 block of Highfield Drive in unincorporated Gurnee. The caller reported seeing a man and a woman firing shots from their yard. When officers arrived, they encountered 34-year-old Nazareth T. Collins exiting the home.
Deputies observed spent shell casings scattered in the yard, confirming shots had indeed been fired. However, Collins and other occupants of the residence were reportedly uncooperative and refused to let police search the home. Believing firearms were still inside, the Sheriff’s Office secured a search warrant from the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office. A judge approved the request later that morning.
The Sheriff’s Tactical Response Team executed the search and made a startling discovery. While no firearms were found, deputies uncovered a large stash of illegal drugs, including:
Over 500 grams of cocaine
Over 40 grams of MDMA (ecstasy) pills
More than 1,400 grams of cannabis
Over 35 grams of psilocybin mushrooms
Alprazolam (Xanax) pills
Collins was arrested and now faces multiple charges, including unlawful possession with intent to deliver cocaine, psilocybin, and MDMA, as well as possession of those substances and alprazolam. He was also charged with possession and intent to deliver cannabis.
Police say further charges related to the initial shooting incident could follow, depending on the ongoing investigation.
Collins remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on Sunday. Prosecutors have indicated they will request he remain jailed while awaiting trial, citing the seriousness of the charges and the potential threat to public safety.
This case highlights the unpredictable nature of law enforcement work—how a routine call for gunshots can unravel into a major criminal case. It also underscores the ongoing challenges suburban communities face when it comes to illegal drug activity and public safety concerns.
The information in this report was provided by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.