An Illinois deputy chief is facing serious criminal charges after a bizarre off-duty incident that occurred over the weekend.
Gary M. Swiercz, 49, of the Chicago Ridge Fire Department, is accused of breaking into a neighbors apartment, threatening to slit her throat, and attempting to sexually assault her. Police say Swiercz was wearing a ski mask and carrying a knife, rope, zip ties, duct tape, a sexual device, and lubricant at the time.
The incident allegedly occurred early Saturday morning. Swiercz reportedly struggled with the victim, then ran out the back door where he was apprehended by the police. He is facing charges for:
- attempted first-degree murder,
- home invasion,
- aggravated unlawful restraint,
- residential burglary and
- attempted aggravated criminal sexual assault
Chicago Ridge Fire Chief Bob Musynski has announced that Swiercz opted to retire from the department effective yesterday. Following his arrest he had been placed on administrative leave.