Explosive Substance Found in Streeterville Apartment: Police

Chicago IL

24 March, 2021

9:23 PM

Description

CHICAGO, IL— A building in Streeterville was being partially evacuated on Wednesday night after law enforcement officials found hazardous materials in an apartment where police were investigating the earlier death of a 30-year-old man. Officers arrived at the building on the 200 block of East Illinois Street at 4 p.m. to follow up on the death investigation of Theodore Hilk, who was pronounced dead at 4 a.m. on Wednesday morning according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's office. FBI, a SWAT team and the CPD bomb unit were called to the scene, police said. In an updated statement on Thursday, police said one of the chemicals found in the apartment was lead azide, an explosive substance that can be used as a detonator in bombs. Police spokesperson Tom Ahern could not confirm a report that pipe bombs were found in Hilk's apartment, but Ahern confirmed during a media briefing at the scene Wednesday that specialty units had contained the hazardous items. A portion of Illinois Street was shut down due to police activity, but police cleared the area by 11 p.m and disposed of the material, according to police. This is a developing story, check back for updates.