Keep Reading ↓

Lizandra Cosme has been charged with five felony counts of aggravated battery to a child

A 32-year-old woman has been accused of burning several toddlers with a hot glue gun at a Logan Square daycare center, sources have told.

Lizandra Cosme from the Humboldt Park neighborhood has been charged with five counts of aggravated battery to a child, related to an incident at the Children’s Learning Place near Fullerton and Kedzie.

Sources said that the video shows Cosme burning five 2-year-olds with a hot glue gun.

Cosme was due to appear for a bond hearing on Monday afternoon at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse.

Staff at Children’s Learning Place escorted parents away from cameras on Monday morning, but not before a few parents said they heard a child came home with a burn a few weeks ago, and when reference was made to other incidents – it was discovered several had similar injuries.

Sources said that a second Children’s Learning Place daycare worker was arrested and charged with a misdemeanor, accused of idly standing by during the glue gun incident.

“The well being of our students is paramount. Upon learning of the alleged incident, we notified DCFS immediately and terminated two of our employees. We are currently working with investigators,” Children’s Learning Place spokeswoman Lissa Druss Christman stated in an email.

Several parents said they were not aware of the allegations, but most said it doesn’t affect their decision to bring their kids to Children’s Learning Center.

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services said it also was investigating the case.

Firefighter Died Fighting Thomas Fire Leaving Pregnant Wife Just Before Christmas

On Thursday a Thomas Fire claimed the life of Corey Iverson, 33, A California Firefighter who was working on the frontline.

Fire crews remain focused controlling the fire while they mourned the loss of their friend Corey. He and his wife Ashley had a 2-year-old daughter and were expecting their second child this spring.

Iverson was a member of Cal Fire based in San Diego and had been with the agency since 2009. As an engineer, Iverson was in charge of driving the truck and the movement of equipment.

“I am very saddened to report that a firefighter fatality has occurred on the Thomas Incident,” CAL Fire Chief Ken Pimlott wrote in a brief statement.

“Corey is just a great young man and he was somebody who just really loved his job,” The San Diego County Fire Dept. Chief Tony Mecham said. “What really hit all of us today is that normally this time of year we’re supposed to be slowing down and spending time with our families.”

The fight with Thomas Fire continues as exhausted firefighters have been fighting the blaze.

“They are working so hard to knock these flames down, trying to get foscheck anything to draw fire lines to get crews up in the hills, to dig holes and trenches to stop those flames from moving,”

A reporter commented.  “It’s very, very difficult work, the terrain is so rugged, and so unforgiving up there….of course that is why that firefighter lost his life today.”

Firefighters and residents all came together as they saluted Iverson’s hearse as it carried his body to the Ventura County Coroner’s office. His casket was draped with the American Flag.

In his honor Firefighters wore their formal black uniforms with armbands. All Cal Fire facilities flags have been lowered to half-staff.

Iverson died on the frontline battling the Thomas Fire in the hills above Fillmore and his body was retrieved in a hilly area.

In their home, Maria Rosales and her family home could still see the Fire spreading.

“At first it was just some but then it was the fire coming down and down,” Rosales said.

“I really feel badly for them and everybody…this whole firefighting community is impacted,” A Fillmore resident shared.