NEW LENOX – A man is dead Monday after being named a suspect in shooting his father in the face.
According to the Will County Sheriff’s Department, it happened early Monday at 4:30 am when deputies received a call 21-year-old Alexander Wheeler had been suspected of shooting his father in the face and battering his mother at a home in the 1900 block of Grand Prairie Drive.
“Police were advised that Wheeler may be under the influence of drugs and was possibly in possession of a weapon. A description of his vehicle was given as a 2020 silver Honda Civic.” The Will County Sheriff’s Department said in a Press Release Monday morning.
Within a half-hour, Officers located a vehicle marking the description of Wheeler’s and attempted to stop it near Cedar and Laraway Road. A pursuit began after Wheeler reportedly refused to stop. Wheeler fled back to his subdivision and later reportedly attempted to drive through a resident’s backyard before exiting his vehicle. An officer pursuing Wheeler reportedly drew a taser but had no effect on Wheeler. The officer then reportedly drew his gun and shot Wheeler, who was treated on the scene by police.
Wheeler was transported to Silver Cross Hospital where he was later pronounced dead. Wheeler’s father was also transported to Silver Cross Hospital, his condition is serious but was conscious on the scene. His condition is unknown.
An autopsy on Wheeler is scheduled for later today.
The Will/Grundy Major Crimes Task Force is investigating the incident.
