Antioch Police Deny Second Commendation After Park Knife Attack

The Antioch Village Board received no official response when Clyde McLemore, founder of Black Lives Matter Lake County, argued that racial bias prevented him from receiving a police commendation for his role in a July knife attack at Sequoit Creek Park. Assistant Village Administrator Jim Moran announced on Tuesday that the department had reviewed the incident twice and determined no additional commendations were warranted beyond the officer already recognized.

McLemore, a Zion resident and member of the Lake County Regional Board of School Trustees, addressed the board during public comment on September 23. He stated that he and a white colleague, both contracted through Per Mar Security Services, faced the same life-threatening danger when three armed suspects terrorized the park on July 11. McLemore claimed he confronted the suspects and placed his safety at risk to protect the community, noting that he nearly took a knife to the body while performing his duties.

Surveillance video obtained by reporters complicates the narrative of equal risk. A camera near the park gazebo shows the white colleague, wearing a black safety shirt, repeatedly stepping between the attackers and a victim on the ground. McLemore, wearing a cap, is not clearly visible during that specific moment of physical intervention. A wider angle captures McLemore walking quickly away from the gazebo while police lights are visible in the distance. His colleague remains beside the victim until approximately ten seconds later, when McLemore returns with a police officer.

Questions have also arisen regarding McLemore's qualifications. Illinois law requires security officers to hold a permanent employee registration card from the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. An online search of the department's database shows no card or license for McLemore. Per Mar Security Services did not respond to requests for comment on his employment status or licensure. Court records reveal three felony convictions for McLemore in Lake County, including aggravated battery and unlawful use of recorded sounds.

Dr. Sandra Leconte, president of the NAACP Lake County Branch, spoke after McLemore at the board meeting. She said she was disappointed that McLemore did not receive recognition and asked the board and police to reconsider. She stated that McLemore's life mattered just as much as the other officer's. The board's approved minutes record no response to the comments from McLemore or Leconte. The three suspects in the July attack were charged with two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon each and remain detained pending trial.