Highland Park man shot and killed by police after he reportedly ‘charged’ officers with a knife

Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek has released the identity of a Highland Park man who was shot and killed by police officers early Friday morning after he reportedly approached officers with a knife. 

The man was identified as Brent Bucholtz, 59. He died from multiple gunshot wounds, his autopsy indicated.

Officers responded around 4:55 a.m. on June 20 to the 900 block of Half Day Road to check on the well-being of a man in the roadway, according to a news release posted on the City of Highland Park website. 

A concerned driver reported to police earlier that someone lying in the roadway was nearly struck by a vehicle, according to city officials. The caller reportedly told police they saw the individual stand up and then stumble into a residence in the 900 block of Half Day Road.

When Highland Park police officers arrived at the scene, they did not locate the man outside. Officers knocked on the door of the address provided by the caller and Bucholtz “abruptly exited the home armed with a knife,” according to a news release from the Lake County Major Crime Task Force.

Officers “immediately retreated and gave the man multiple instructions to drop the knife,” but the man then “advanced toward them with the knife raised,” according to police.

Bucholtz “continued charging at the officers, threatening them with the knife. The officers subsequently discharged their firearms, striking the man,” according to police.

Highland Park police reportedly requested paramedics and rendered life-saving aid. The Highland Park Fire Department arrived on scene at 5:05 a.m. but the officers’ and paramedics’ efforts were unsuccessful. Bucholtz was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police.

Bucholtz lived at the residence on Half Day Road that police responded to, according to city officials.

The Highland Park Police Department reportedly called in the Lake County Major Crimes Task Force after the shooting to conduct an independent investigation. Per state law, Lake County will assume responsibility for the investigation and will provide further updates.

According to the city, there is now no threat to public safety, but police asked people to avoid the area if possible to allow investigators to work. The 900 block of Half Day Road between Western and Compton Avenue was closed Friday morning but was opened again with minimal police presence by 3 p.m.

Check back with The Record for updates to this developing story.