Police Cleared in Fatal Shooting of Chainsaw-Wielding Man at Assisted Living Facility

An investigation into the fatal police shooting of a man wielding a chainsaw inside a senior living facility has found no wrongdoing on the part of the officers involved.

The Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office, Illinois State Police, and St. Charles Police Department confirmed the findings following the December 1, 2024, incident at River Glen of St. Charles.

Incident Details

Police responded to the facility around 8:45 a.m. after receiving reports of a shirtless man attempting to cut down a tree with a chainsaw. The suspect, later identified as Daniel Escalera, 41, of Stockwell, Indiana, then entered the facility and began confronting residents.

When officers arrived, one of them encountered Escalera near the cafeteria entrance and ordered him to drop the chainsaw. Instead of complying, Escalera entered the cafeteria and started the chainsaw. In an attempt to subdue him, an officer deployed a Taser, striking Escalera and briefly knocking him down. However, he quickly got back up, grabbed the chainsaw, and ran toward the officers.

As Escalera pursued them, officers retreated into the lobby, leading to multiple gunfire exchanges. At one point, Escalera collided with an officer and struck him with the chainsaw before fleeing toward a hallway. Upon reaching the hallway, Escalera stopped near a resident in a wheelchair and “held his hands forward in a position which appeared to imitate holding a firearm” In response, an officer fired a final shot, striking Escalera. He was transported to Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Residents and responding officers were treated at the scene for minor injuries. 

Investigation Findings

An autopsy revealed that Escalera had methamphetamine, amphetamines, and the antipsychotic drug olanzapine in his system. Illinois State Police conducted a thorough investigation, reviewing body-worn camera footage, witness statements, and physical evidence. The Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office ultimately determined that the officer “had the reasonable belief that the deadly force he employed was necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm to himself or other individuals.”

Authorities noted that Escalera had no known ties to the area or the senior living center. The St. Charles Police Department had no prior contacts with him, and his reason for being at the facility remains unknown. Officials also confirmed that Escalera had a lengthy criminal history, according to court records.

River Glen of St. Charles Statement

In a statement made following the incident, River Glen of St. Charles emphasized that their community remains secure. “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.”

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