Man-Hunt Continues in Jo Daviess County After Suspect Fled Police

According to a media release from the Jo Daviess County Sheriff's office, local law enforcement is currently searching for a man who fled from deputies during an attempt to serve a firearms restraining order and arrest warrants at a residence in the Galena Territory.

Get our free mobile app

On Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025, at around 11:41 AM, the Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office was informed of a Firearms Restraining Order Search Warrant issued against Enrique O. Silva, 53, who resides at 18 Settler Lane in Galena. Deputies also learned that Silva had two outstanding misdemeanor arrest warrants.

A deputy arrived in the area and spotted Silva working on a truck parked across from his residence. When the deputy attempted to make contact, Silva immediately fled on foot and is believed to have entered his home through a rear entrance. Knowing that firearms were inside, deputies secured the scene and called for backup instead of entering the residence.

Despite multiple attempts to contact Silva, he did not respond. This included by means of phone calls, text messages, and a public address system. He briefly answered his phone once, where he claimed he was at a job site before hanging up. His phone was later turned off.

The Northwest Illinois Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) was activated, and additional law enforcement agencies responded. Drones and a “drop phone” were deployed to communicate, but Silva remained unresponsive. Officers remained on scene until around 3:00 AM this morning, April 3rd, but Silva has still not been found.

Assisting agencies included the Illinois State Police, Galena P.D., East Dubuque P.D., Ogle County Sheriff's Office, Stephenson County Sheriff's Office, NW IL CIRT, Galena EMS, Hanover P.D., Elizabeth EMS, Galena Territory Security, Shannon Fire/Carroll County EMA, and Mercy Hospital MDI.

As of this morning, deputies remain in the area. Authorities emphasize that there is no immediate threat to the public and that Silva is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The investigation remains ongoing, and updates will be provided as they become available. Anyone with information on Silva’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office.