Unregistered Sex Offender Attempts To Roll Wheelchair Into Traffic: Northbrook Police Blotter

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A 45-year-old Northbrook man named Timothy J. McCarty was arrested on February 2nd for failing to register as a sex offender and attempting to drive his wheelchair into traffic lanes on Dundee Road. Police say McCarty initially provided a false name, but they soon learned his real identity and about his outstanding warrants for possession of a controlled substance and obstructing justice.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in dealing with repeat offenders who fail to comply with sex offender registration requirements, as well as the broader issue of public safety on busy roads and highways.

The details

According to the police report, officers confronted McCarty after he was spotted trying to drive his wheelchair into the traffic lanes on Dundee Road. When they tried to obtain his name, McCarty initially provided a false identity. However, the officers soon learned his real name and discovered he had two active arrest warrants - one for possession of a controlled substance in Cook County and another for obstructing justice in Lake County. McCarty was also charged with failing to register as a sex offender.

• The incident occurred at 9:45 p.m. on February 2, 2026 in Northbrook, Illinois.
• McCarty had active arrest warrants dating back to prior incidents.

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on McCarty's bail status at a future court date.