An off-duty Wood Dale police detective shot an intruder who broke into the officer’s home near Wheaton over the weekend, authorities said Monday.
The incident began about 7 a.m. Saturday when authorities said the homeowner was awakened by the intruder, and a struggle ensued. The officer’s wife called 911. The officer was able to break away to retrieve his gun after a neighbor came to his aid, authorities said. Coincidentally, the neighbor is a retired DuPage County sheriff deputy.
The Wood Dale off-duty officer then shot the intruder, according to DuPage County sheriff’s officials. Both the officer and the intruder were treated at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield. The intruder was listed in fair condition late Monday, according to a hospital spokeswoman.
Wood Dale Police Chief Greg Vesta declined comment Monday, while referring all inquiries to the sheriff’s office. DuPage State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said no charges have been filed against the intruder, and the shooting remains under investigation.
The officer, whose wife and children were home during the break-in, is shaken but not seriously physically injured, several Wood Dale city officials said. They said counseling services will be provided to the officer if needed before he returns to duty. No further details were available late Monday.
