Chainsaw-Wielding Man Fatally Shot by Police Inside Illinois Senior Living Community
December 2, 2024
ST. CHARLES, IL — It has been widely reported that a man wielding a chainsaw inside River Glen of St. Charles in this city 40 or so miles west of Chicago was fatally shot by police Sunday morning (Dec. 1).
Following the incident, River Glen of St. Charles posted a statement on Facebook.
“This morning, an unauthorized person briefly entered our community and was quickly stopped by responding officers,” the Facebook post said. “We are deeply grateful for the swift action of our team and law enforcement. We want to emphasize that our community is secure, and all residents and staff members are safe.
“The safety and security of our residents and staff remain our highest priority. We are working closely with law enforcement as they continue their investigation of this isolated incident.”
The man has not been publicly identified as of this writing. He was allegedly attempting to cut down a tree on the community’s property at about 8:45 Sunday morning. Despite outdoor temperatures in the low 30s the man was “shirtless” when police arrived, according to a St. Charles Police Department statement.
“Just before police arrival,” the department said, “witnesses advised the subject had now gained entry to the lobby of the building and began confronting residents with the chainsaw.”
Officers initially tried to deescalate things, but the man “continued his attempts to use the chainsaw against residents of the building” and against responding officers, the department said. Even after police tased the suspect he continued to confront residents and police. At that point, an officer fired his gun, striking the suspect, police said. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital, the Illinois State Police said in a press release.
No motive for the attack has been revealed. Residents and police officers were treated at the scene for minor injuries, according to police.
Illinois State Police are investigating the “use of force” in the incident to determine whether the officer was justified in shooting the suspect.
