A Lake County man who owns a well-known restaurant in Chicago is facing a series of serious charges following a violent domestic incident that left a woman unconscious in a luxury subdivision near Mundelein.
Authorities say they were called to West Vernon Ridge Drive around 8:20 p.m. on Saturday (July 26) after a passerby discovered a badly injured woman lying in the road. First responders arrived to find the woman with visible injuries, later determined to be the result of a brutal assault. Investigators allege 50-year-old Lenny W. Weston, a resident of the neighborhood, repeatedly punched and strangled the victim, ultimately causing her to lose consciousness.
After regaining consciousness, the woman reportedly fled the home and was discovered by a good Samaritan who dialed 911. Deputies searched for Weston Saturday night but were unable to locate him until the following afternoon, when a Lake County deputy spotted him driving in Lake Forest. Weston was pulled over and arrested without incident. Prosecutors have charged him with aggravated domestic battery and two counts of domestic battery.
Further investigation revealed Weston, a convicted felon, had two firearms with extended magazines at his home, along with over 200 grams of cannabis. Authorities secured a search warrant and firearm restraining order, leading to additional charges for illegal gun possession and unlawful cannabis possession. Prosecutors say Weston is a threat to both the victim and the community, and a judge has ordered him held in custody until trial. Weston, who owns The Licking Chicago and leads West Construction, is due back in court on July 31.
Source: Lake & McHenry County Scanner
