Police in Illinois won't face charges for shooting

Police in Illinois will not face charges for shooting a man brandishing a chainsaw in a nursing home. The incident occurred on December 1, 2024, when Daniel H. Escalera, 41, entered the facility in St. Charles, asking for his wife. He was from Stockwell, Indiana, but officials are unclear why he was at the nursing home. Witnesses alerted authorities as Escalera entered the cafeteria with the chainsaw. Body camera footage revealed that an officer initially tried to use a taser on him. Escalera was briefly stunned but quickly recovered and charged at the officer. As he ran toward the officer, the officer attempted to regroup with another officer. Escalera held the chainsaw over his head and continued moving toward them. Officers fired a total of four shots, with the fourth shot fatally striking Escalera in the chest. Escalera was pronounced dead later at Delnor Hospital. Toxicology results showed he had amphetamines and methamphetamines in his system, along with olanzapine, a medication for schizophrenia. Prosecutors stated the officer acted in self-defense to prevent harm to himself and others. The investigation into the shooting is now closed.