A chainsaw-wielding man who stormed an Illinois assisted living facility was fatally shot by police after threatening elderly residents. The incident occurred on Dec. 1 at River Glen of St. Charles.
The St. Charles Police Department reported that officers were called after witnesses saw a man cutting down a tree with a chainsaw on the property. Before officers could arrive, the suspect entered the building and began intimidating residents in the lobby.
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
Police attempted to subdue the man using a Taser, but the suspect continued his threatening behavior. An officer fired their weapon, striking the suspect, who was later identified as 41-year-old Daniel Escalera. Despite emergency treatment, Escalera was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Residents and officers sustained minor injuries during the encounter. Family members of residents expressed relief that police arrived quickly. “Thank God for the police,” said Paul Ekstrom, whose mother was inside during the attack.
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 had a violent criminal history spanning decades, including incidents of assault and probation violations. He was reportedly free despite a recent probation violation, raising questions about his release.
The nursing home community remains shaken by the event but has praised law enforcement for their decisive actions in preventing further harm.
