Chainsaw-wielding man killed by police at assisted living facility in Illinois

ST. CHARLES, Ill. (WGN) — A use-of-force investigation is underway after police fatally shot a chainsaw-wielding man who threatened residents of an assisted living center in St. Charles, Illinois, on Sunday morning.

The St. Charles Police Department said at around 8:45 a.m., officers were sent for a welfare check after witnesses said a shirtless man was holding a chainsaw and attempting to cut down a tree on the property of the River Glen of St. Charles assisted living center.

Just before police arrived, witnesses said the man had gotten into the lobby of the building and started confronting residents with the chainsaw, according to investigators.

Officers tried to de-escalate the situation to no avail. Despite a taser being used on the man, he continued his threat, forcing an officer to fire at the man, hitting him, police said.

The man was taken to Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital, where he died. Authorities have not yet released his identity pending next-of-kin notification.

Residents of the assisted living facility and responding officers were treated at the scene for minor injuries, according to police.

Jay Davis, who was scheduled to do work Sunday for a resident at the facility, spoke to Nexstar's WGN about arriving at the scene.

"I came in, and I don't know," he said. "It was weird. It was really weird."

The Illinois State Police said it would investigate the officer's use of force. Once that's completed, ISP will turn all reports over to the Kane County State's Attorney's Office for an independent review of the facts.

River Glen of St. Charles also issued the following statement regarding Sunday morning's incident:

"An unauthorized person briefly entered our community and was quickly stopped by responding officers. 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."