Missing St. Charles man found, taken to hospital

SUN-TIMES MEDIA WIRE - A west suburban man who was reported missing Friday was found early Tuesday and taken to a hospital.

A Kane County sheriff’s deputy patrolling about 1 a.m. near the South Elgin Fire Station at 2055 McDonald Rd. saw a man standing near a dumpster, according to a statement from the sheriff’s office.

The deputy approached the man, who identified himself as Dane Haggerty and said he knew the police were looking for him, according to police.

Haggerty had suffered several injuries, but they were not thought to be life-threatening, according to police. He was taken to Saint Joseph Hospital in Elgin.

Haggert’s wife reported him missing Friday after he didn’t come home to St. Charles from a business trip, according to the sheriff’s office.

About two hours later, a St. Charles Park Service officer found his vehicle at the Otter Creek Wetlands in unincorporated St. Charles.

A note was found in his car leading detectives to believe that he might try to harm himself. A K9 team was deployed and led deputies to an outhouse at the Otter Creek Wetland. The track continued to the back of the pond on the property, and deputies found what appeared to be two pools of human blood.

Several authorities conducted a coordinated search of the preserve and surrounding areas Saturday.

Detectives now believe Haggerty left the preserve and hid in a gazebo northwest of the search area for the last several days.

The Kane County Office of Emergency Management, Illinois Wisconsin Search and Rescue Dog Association, Midwest Search and Rescue, Department of Homeland Security, Fox River Countryside Fire Department, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in St. Charles, the Salvation Army and the St. Charles Park District all assisted in the search.

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