A man with a chainsaw was fatally shot by Illinois police after he stormed a nursing home, threatening elderly residents. The St. Charles Police Department confirmed that officers responded to reports of a man wielding a chainsaw at River Glen of St. Charles on Dec. 1.
Authorities were initially called to the scene after witnesses reported a shirtless man attempting to cut down a tree on the property. By the time officers arrived, the man had entered the building’s lobby and was using the chainsaw to intimidate residents.
St. Charles, Illinois
Chainsaw massacre averted at nursing home:https://t.co/ok1jU7kZiJ pic.twitter.com/PRndtJcZbz
— The Big C-O (@thebigC_O) December 2, 2024
Officers attempted to calm the man, but he continued his aggressive behavior, according to the police statement. When a Taser failed to subdue him, an officer discharged their firearm, striking the suspect. The man, identified as Daniel Escalera, was transported to a hospital but later died from his injuries.
Residents and officers sustained only minor injuries during the confrontation. Police described the situation as chaotic but praised the quick actions of officers in preventing further harm. One neighbor, Tom Lapis, told WLS-TV, “It scares us, but we hope it’s a one-time incident.”
Nice. Local news. A lunatic just tried to kill residents of a nursing home and arriving police with a chainsaw
Shot and killed while attacking police https://t.co/GCqywslm5f
— mark safranski (@zenpundit) December 1, 2024
Escalera, who had a history of violent crime, was reportedly on probation at the time of the attack. His criminal record included charges for stabbing his wife and assaulting a motorcyclist. Many in the community are now questioning why he was not in custody.
The nursing home and its residents are recovering from the traumatic incident, with staff and family members expressing gratitude for the swift police response. Authorities have vowed to review the circumstances surrounding Escalera’s probation status.
