AURORA, IL - On Friday, October 4th, the Plano Police Department (PPD) released bodycam and dashcam footage of an officer-involved shooting that left an armed suspect dead following a home invasion.
According to FOX 32, the Kendall County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) and PPD shared the footage to provide transparency and give the public a very clear picture of the events that led to the deaths of 70-year-old Russell Novak and his son, 36-year-old Nicholas Novak at the end of September. The incident began in the evening hours of September 27th, when officers with PPD responded to reports of a home invasion on Pratt Court. Shots had also been fired during that incident.
Upon arriving on scene, officers located a vehicle they believed to be connected to the incident. When police tried to stop the car, the driver fled, leading multiple law enforcement agencies on a pursuit. CBS News reported that an officer, with his gun drawn, can be heard on the body cam footage telling the driver of the car to stop. The driver did not stop, running haphazardly over lawns as he hit the road.
Another video clip shows a pursuit along U.S. Route 34, or Ogden Avenue, through Yorkville and Oswego and finally into Aurora. During the pursuit, officers learned that a man, identified as Russell Novak, was found back at the house in Plano with multiple gunshot wounds. Russell died as a result of those injuries and police determined that the suspect they were pursuing was likely armed and dangerous.
According to ABC7, Russell had called 911 from Plano after he noticed some of his personnel guns were missing from his home. A few moments later, the homeowner could be heard shouting and then there is a loud bang. That's when police said Russell was shot dead.
Upon reaching Eola Road in Aurora, the driver of what has been identified as Ford Bronco, turned to head south and then made a U-turn at Keating Drive to head back toward Route 34. At that point, the Bronco entered the left turn lane and in that lane, the driver can be seen on dashcam video getting out of the car with a long run raised at the officers. He then fires at the officers. The officers return fire and the driver falls to the ground.
Authorities said that a PPD officer and a KCSO deputy fired at the driver and struck him. Officers rendered aid to the driver shortly afterwards. PPD said that because the incident happened in the DuPage County section of Aurora, findings from an investigation by Illinois State Police will be reviewed by the DuPage County State's Attorney's office. No officers were injured in the incident.
The Kane County Coroner's Office said that Nicholas Novak died of a single gunshot wound. Russell's ex-wife confirmed that Nicholas was their son. Russell's obituary said that he is survived by another son, two brothers, and his partner, as well as a granddaughter and many nieces and nephews. The obituary said, "Russell has been known in the area as an avid bowler in the area at Parkside Lanes and Strike and Spare. He loved his Harley. He was the most kind and caring person and was loved by many."
According to FOX 32, the Kendall County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) and PPD shared the footage to provide transparency and give the public a very clear picture of the events that led to the deaths of 70-year-old Russell Novak and his son, 36-year-old Nicholas Novak at the end of September. The incident began in the evening hours of September 27th, when officers with PPD responded to reports of a home invasion on Pratt Court. Shots had also been fired during that incident.
Upon arriving on scene, officers located a vehicle they believed to be connected to the incident. When police tried to stop the car, the driver fled, leading multiple law enforcement agencies on a pursuit. CBS News reported that an officer, with his gun drawn, can be heard on the body cam footage telling the driver of the car to stop. The driver did not stop, running haphazardly over lawns as he hit the road.
Another video clip shows a pursuit along U.S. Route 34, or Ogden Avenue, through Yorkville and Oswego and finally into Aurora. During the pursuit, officers learned that a man, identified as Russell Novak, was found back at the house in Plano with multiple gunshot wounds. Russell died as a result of those injuries and police determined that the suspect they were pursuing was likely armed and dangerous.
According to ABC7, Russell had called 911 from Plano after he noticed some of his personnel guns were missing from his home. A few moments later, the homeowner could be heard shouting and then there is a loud bang. That's when police said Russell was shot dead.
Upon reaching Eola Road in Aurora, the driver of what has been identified as Ford Bronco, turned to head south and then made a U-turn at Keating Drive to head back toward Route 34. At that point, the Bronco entered the left turn lane and in that lane, the driver can be seen on dashcam video getting out of the car with a long run raised at the officers. He then fires at the officers. The officers return fire and the driver falls to the ground.
Authorities said that a PPD officer and a KCSO deputy fired at the driver and struck him. Officers rendered aid to the driver shortly afterwards. PPD said that because the incident happened in the DuPage County section of Aurora, findings from an investigation by Illinois State Police will be reviewed by the DuPage County State's Attorney's office. No officers were injured in the incident.
The Kane County Coroner's Office said that Nicholas Novak died of a single gunshot wound. Russell's ex-wife confirmed that Nicholas was their son. Russell's obituary said that he is survived by another son, two brothers, and his partner, as well as a granddaughter and many nieces and nephews. The obituary said, "Russell has been known in the area as an avid bowler in the area at Parkside Lanes and Strike and Spare. He loved his Harley. He was the most kind and caring person and was loved by many."
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