Johnny Depp, aka John Dillinger in the Universal film “Public Enemies,” is hitting Crown Point this spring reportedly to reprise the gangster’s bold 1934 escape from Lake County Jail.

The scene will be shot on location at the Old Sheriff’s House and Jail, 226 S. Main St., sources said. Universal declined to comment on specifics.

The front part of the Second Empire-style building housed the top cop in Dillinger’s era. The back holds the cells from which the bank robber fled in broad daylight.

Dates for the Crown Point shoot are under wraps. But director Michael Mann has targeted the old Lake County Criminal Court, 220 S. Main St., as his headquarters during a three-day stay. Reborn the Hall of Justice Bar and Ballroom in the early 1990s, the jail’s neighbor will host up to 200 actors, crew members and technicians.

“Hollywood’s coming to Crown Point,” said Philip Struebig, co-owner of the Hall of Justice. “It’s going to be a heck of a thing for Crown Point. It will put us back on the map.” Read more… »