Readers React to Arrests of Deerfield Teens for Highland Park Burglary

Days after Highland Park Police , readers continue to flood Patch with comments.

Earlier:  

Deerfield residents Joseph J. Mahoney and Joshua S. Norris, both 17, were charged as adults for They are charged with home invasion, residential burglary and possession of a stolen firearm, according to the Highland Park Police Department. They were transferred to the Lake County court building, where bond was set at $150,000 each. Both bonded out last Friday.

Residents wonder about their kids

The incident has left many residents in both Highland Park and Deerfield stunned, apprehensive about their safety and curious about what their own children are up to.

"As a parent of two little girls it does scare me a little to see what is out there," writes . "You raise your kids and hope you did a good job. You spend time with them."

Another reader asked that commenters refrain from jumping to conclusions about what happened before more information is revealed. There is currently little known about why the house was targeted and what the offenders hoped to get, though Deputy Police Chief Dave Schwarz told Patch that "it wasn't random."

"You never know how kids are 'wired' until you meet up with these unimaginable situations," writes . "It could be any one of our kids making bad choices. We need to be a community of concerned, but, most importantly, kind people."

Kudos to police department

Several readers praised the police work that led to the arrests only hours after the burglary occurred. The investigation involved help from nearby police departments including Deerfield, Lake Forest and a canine unit from North Chicago. One reader commented specifically on the use of reverse-911, a phone service where the Highland Park Police calls residents to warn them of potentially dangerous situations occurring in the community.

"Kudos to the Highland Park police Department for using the connect CTY warning system," writes . "Great Job of protecting your residents. And next time you wonder if your tax dollars are being spent wisely, think of this technology!"

Innocent until proven guilty

In addition to larger subjects like community safety, raising a teenager and gun control, the overwhelming question driving the comments has been "Why did this happen?"

While many residents have continued to speculate what could motivate teens to pick up a gun and break into a nearby home, others have advised against inferring or judging until the trial.

"I'd fully expect a young man of 17 years old to know right from wrong, to realize that someone could get killed with a firearm, and to realize that he himself could get killed if he chose to rob someone or invade their home," writes . "We have to wait to see how this all plays out in court."

takes Greenberg's sentiment a step further, reminding readers that "this is still America. They're innocent until PROVEN guilty."

"And, in my opinion," he writes, "Everyone deserves a second chance."

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