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ST. CHARLES, Ill. (CBS) — Police in St. Charles shot and killed a man they said was trying to attack officers and residents of a seniors’ assisted living center with a chainsaw Sunday morning.
On Sunday night, all was calm at the River Glen of St. Charles assisted living facility, at 975 N. 5th Ave. in the west Chicago suburb. But such was not the case in the morning, when police had the entire facility blocked off.
Late Sunday, police said the threat was over and families said they have no concerns leaving their loved ones at a place they call home.
Police said the initial call was about a man without a shirt who had been wielding a chainsaw and trying to cut down a tree.
But just before police arrived, witnesses said the man had gotten into the lobby of the assisted living center and was threatening residents with the chainsaw. After police arrived and tried to de-escalate the situation, the man went on trying to attack residents with the chainsaw and also threatening officers with it, police said.
Officers used a Taser on the man, but he did not stop, police said. An officer then shot the man.
Police tried to save the man’s life, but he was later pronounced dead at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital in Geneva, police said. The man was identified as 41-year-old Daniel H. Escalera of Stockwell, Indiana.
Police said Escalera had no ties to the area or the senior living center and had no previous encounters with St. Charles police. His reason for being in St. Charles is unknown.
Back at the River Glen of St. Charles, residents and officers were treated for minor injuries. Hours later, CBS News Chicago went inside the assisted living facility to talk to employees about what happened. The door to the lobby was locked, and there was no security.
Several residents were sitting in the lobby when CBS News Chicago visited on Sunday evening. They said hello and appeared to be in good spirits.
An employee inside the facility said Sunday that all residents and employees were safe late Sunday, and employees thanked responding officers for their actions.
On Monday, no one from River Glen was willing to go on camera, or connect CBS News Chicago with those who saw everything happen.
But a spokesperson told me in a statement: “We have ensured our community and staff members feel safe and supported. We are communicating closely with residents and their loved ones, have resumed normal operations, and are collaborating with law enforcement to assist with their investigation.”
A day after the incident, CBS News Chicago’s cameras also rolled on at least one tree with marks in it.
Illinois State Police are investigating the use of force by St. Charles police, as per protocol. Illinois State Police said they will turn over all reports to the Kane County State’s Attorney’s office after their investigation.
Late Sunday, it was still unclear who the chainsaw-wielding man was, or if he had any connection to the senior living facility. His name has not been released.