FOX LAKE (CBS) — A manhunt is continuing into the evening in far north suburban Fox Lake, after a police officer was shot and killed while chasing three suspects on foot.

Lake County Major Crimes Task Force Cmdr. George Filenko said an officer was shot Tuesday morning near Rollins Road and Route 59. The officer was identified as Lt. Charles Joseph Gliniewicz, a 32-year police veteran. He was set to retire at the end of the month.

Lake County Sheriff’s Det. Chris Covelli said, around 7:50 a.m., the officer radioed he was pursuing three suspects, after looking into their “suspicious activity.” Police lost radio contact with the Gliniewicz, who was later found with a gunshot wound. Shortly after the news conference, Covelli confirmed that the officer died.

LT. Charles "G.I Joe" Gliniewicz. Killed during duty. Husband. Father of 4. Army Vet. Soon to retire. @cbschicago pic.twitter.com/jlFKguqrdi — Brad Σdwards (@tvbrad) September 1, 2015

Covelli said police were conducting a ground and air search for three suspects — two white males and a black male. Unconfirmed dispatch reports indicated the suspects might have taken the officer’s gun and pepper spray. Police did not provide a more detailed description of the suspects.

At an afternoon news conference, authorities did not say whether anybody was in custody and that a “massive search” is continuing.

Lieutenant Charles Joseph Gliniewicz patrolled Fox Lake for more than three decades and was known by some as “G.I. Joe.” Gliniewicz was married with four children.

The manhunt appeared to be centered on a marshy area off Rainier Way and Rollins Road. Police officers from at least a half dozen different agencies – many heavily armed and wearing body armor – have scattered throughout the area. Several law enforcement vehicles, including armored trucks, were lining U.S. Route 12 in Fox Lake.

K-9 units and helicopters also have been brought in, and according to unconfirmed dispatch reports, picked up a scent in that swampy area.

Early Tuesday evening, police had blocked off a parking lot of a business in nearby Ingleside as canine units walked along Route 59 and near railroad tracks.

State Police helicopters equipped with thermal imaging will stay in the air overnight and the search on the ground continues using trained dogs and federal agents with nightvision goggles.