Kendall County Sheriff's Department Releases Statement on Friday Night Polce Chase and Shooting
PLANO/AURORA–New was released this Just before 6:45 PM on September 27, 2024, deputies with the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist the Plano Police Department with a report of a possible home invasion in which shots were fired in the 3800 Blk of Pratt Ct.
Responding law enforcement personnel with the Plano PD located a car believed to be associated with this incident shortly after arriving in the area. Plano officers attempted to stop the vehicle but the driver refused to stop. A pursuit was initiated involving several law enforcement agencies. During the pursuit, information was obtained that an individual was located with multiple apparent gunshot wounds at the address on Pratt Ct. That individual, identified by the Kendall County Coroner’s Office as 70-year-old Russell Novak, of the 3800 Blk of Pratt Ct in Plano, died as a result of his injuries.
The pursuit finally ended near the intersection of Route 34 and Eola Rd in Aurora where deputies and officers from multiple law enforcement agencies encountered a subject who exited the car armed with a firearm. The subject pointed the firearm at a deputy at which time the deputy and a Plano officer discharged their firearms to protect the people present in the area and themselves. Deputies and officers immediately rendered medical aid to the subject at the scene. The subject was transported to Rush Copley Hospital in Aurora, where they were pronounced deceased. No law enforcement officers were injured. There is no known specific ongoing threat to the community.
Sheriff Dwight Baird said, “First and foremost, the loss of any life is tragic, and my thoughts are with their friends and loved ones as they mourn this terrible loss. I believe transparency is critical, and an independent third-party investigation is absolutely necessary, which is why I requested the Illinois State Police conduct this investigation. I also want to say, that I am extremely proud of the way my deputies and the officers from the surrounding law enforcement agencies responded during this incident. I am grateful they responded swiftly, putting themselves in harm’s way, to safeguard our community.”
Plano Police Chief Norm Allison said, "This is a tragic situation for everyone involved. Since this is a multi-jurisdictional incident, many police resources will be utilized to ensure the utmost professionalism and thoroughness in the investigation. Personally, I am proud of the officers and deputies who attempted to provide life-saving efforts to victims and also put themselves in harm’s way on a moment's notice to protect the public."
The Kendall County Coroner’s Office findings indicate Mr. Novak had multiple apparent gunshot wounds and the investigation is pending a forensic autopsy scheduled to take place on Monday, September 30, 2024. The investigation involving the officer-involved shooting is being conducted by the Illinois State Police (ISP).
