A deputy fire chief in Chicago Ridge was given a $150,000 bond after prosecutors alleged the man broke into the Tinley Park home of a neighbor in the middle of the night and attacked her.
Gary M. Swiercz, 49, of the 8100 block of West 168th Place in Tinley Park, has been charged with attempted murder, home invasion, aggravated unlawful restraint, aggravated attempted criminal sexual assault, and residential burglary, according to a press release from the Tinley Park Police Department.
Swiercz allegedly broke into the home of a woman in his condo building early Saturday morning while wearing a ski mask and possessing a folding knife, duct tape, an 8-inch sexual device and lubricant, said attorney Dan Calandriello.
Swiercz allegedly put his hand on the woman's mouth while she was sleeping. He then put a 3-inch blade to her throat and threatened to slash her throat, Calandriello said in court today. While she was screaming, he threw her to the ground, then grabbed her by the hair and slammed her to the ground multiple times. She suffered a black and blue swollen lip and a knot on her head, Calandriello said.
Swiercz's attorney, Colleen McSweeney Moore, called the incident out of character for the fire chief.
According to the release from the Tinley Park police, police were called to the 8100 block of 168th Place about 2:35 a.m. Saturday for a reported home invasion. A woman at that address said an unknown male, armed with a knife, had entered her condominium, forced her to the floor and beat her. After a struggle, he left the building.
Upon arriving at the scene, police said they found Swiercz, who matched the description of the suspect, in the condominium parking lot and took him into custody.
The female was treated for minor injuries at the scene, police said.
nnix@tribune.com
Twitter: @nsnix87
Chicago Ridge fire official charged in Tinley Park attack
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Chicago Ridge fire official charged in Tinley Park attack
