Man in custody after firing at officers in Addison, prompting shelter-in-place, police say

DUPAGE COUNTY - A man is in custody after opening fire on police officers in Addison following a call to 911 on Thursday morning, authorities said. The shooting prompted a lengthy standoff, with the suspect hunkered down inside a residence — randomly firing shots at police over a period of several hours, officials reported.

The shooting led to a shelter-in-place order for area residents and "secure" status at several schools.

What we know:

Shortly before 11 a.m., a man called Addison police dispatchers saying he needed help finding his dogs. He warned that if officers didn’t help, he would "find people to do their job for them," police said.

Dispatchers attempted to call back but were unable to reach him after he hung up.

As officers responded to the 200 block of East La Porte Drive residents reported a man blocking the street with a white SUV, spraying an unknown substance in the air and setting objects on fire, according to police.

When officers arrived at 11:01 a.m. — within five minutes of his call to 911 — the man attacked them with an "unknown liquid and gas," police said. 

"Contact was made with the subject who was displaying erratic and belligerent behavior," said Officer Michael Vitello, PIO, Addison Police Department.

Officers attempted to detain him but said he retreated into a nearby home. 

Soon after, the man began shooting at officers from inside the house, police said. An Addison police officer was struck in his vest but was not seriously injured. Officers returned fire.

Police said the man ignored commands and refused to come out of the home. 

"Police officers on scene encountered random attacks of gunfire from the subject who was shooting out of the residence for approximately four hours," Vitello said. "I think the police's primary concern was making sure the subject was contained and that he wasn't going to escape his residence and cause further harm or danger to the community or any of the surrounding houses that were so close."

Several officers, including the one who was hit in the vest, were taken to the hospital with minor injuries and later released. No civilians were hurt.

The suspect surrendered at approximately 3:15 p.m. and was taken into custody, but his name and age have not been released.

"Fortunately, this was an isolated incident," said Addison Mayor Tom Hundley. "I just quickly want to commend our Addison Police Department, fire department, and outside agencies that responded."

The Northern Illinois Police Alarm System (NIPAS) SWAT team and the DuPage County Metropolitan Emergency Response & Investigations Team (MERIT) Task Force were among the outside agencies that provided assistance. 

Investigators remained at the scene late Thursday evening, where evidence markers were scattered across La Porte Drive. 

Impact on schools :

Police urged residents to stay indoors and avoid the area during the standoff. 

Addison Trail High School and all nine schools in Addison School District 4 were placed on "secure" status, meaning classes continued as normal but exterior doors were locked and visitors were not allowed.

At 2:52 p.m., the district said dismissal at Addison Trail High School would proceed as usual, except for students who ride Route 39. Those students were asked to be picked up by their guardians or wait at school until their bus could proceed into the area. Parents of students who typically walk were also encouraged to pick up their children.

What's next:

The investigation is ongoing. More information will be released as it becomes available. 

Charges are expected to be announced by the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office in the coming days.