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Plano police pursuit ends in officer-involved shooting in Aurora, 2 dead: officials

By Cody King
Updated  September 28, 2024 11:57am CDT
Crime and Public Safety
FOX 32 Chicago

Investigation underway following officer-involved shooting in Aurora

A deadly home invasion in suburban Plano led to a police chase and and officer-involved shooting in Aurora Friday night.

The Brief 

    • A call about a possible home invasion in Plano led to a police pursuit and an officer-involved shooting in Aurora, resulting in two deaths.
    • The victim at the Plano residence was identified as 70-year-old Russell Novak; the armed individual involved in the shooting remains unidentified.
    • Sheriff Dwight Baird called for an independent investigation and praised the response of law enforcement agencies.

KENDALL COUNTY, Ill. - A call about a possible home invasion led to a police pursuit in Plano and an officer-involved shooting in Aurora, resulting in two deaths, according to the Kendall County Sheriff's Office. 

Initially, Plano police were called for a possible home invasion where shots were fired in the 3800 block of Pratt Court in Plano, Ill. just before 6:45 p.m. Friday. When officers arrived, they located a car believed to be connected to the incident. 

When police tried to stop the car, the driver fled, leading multiple law enforcement agencies on a pursuit. 

During the chase, officers learned that a man had been found at the Plano residence with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite lifesaving efforts, he died from his injuries.

On Saturday afternoon, the Kendall County Coroner's Office identified the man as 70-year-old Russell Novak.

The pursuit ended in Aurora near the intersection of Route 34 and Eola Road. 

According to the Kendall County Sheriff's Office, someone inside the vehicle got out while armed and pointed a firearm at a deputy, prompting both the deputy and a Plano police officer to fire their weapons. 

The armed individual was struck and officers provided medical aid. The armed person was then taken to Rush Copley Hospital, where they later died. Their identity hasn't been released. 

No officers were injured and there is no ongoing threat to the community. The suspect has not been identified. 

 "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," said Kendall County Sheriff Dwight Baird. 

Several agencies were involved in the response, including the Aurora Police Department and the Plano Police Department. 

This is a developing story and we'll bring more updates as they become available. 

The Source

  • The information in this article was provided by the Kendall County Sheriff's Office, the Plano Illinois Police Department and the Aurora Illinois Police Department.