DEKALB, IL – A violent incident at a DeKalb Toyota dealership led to a police shooting on October 23, when a man allegedly attacked several individuals with a knife, authorities reported. The suspect, identified as 32-year-old Charles M. Tripicchio, faces multiple felony charges, including Armed Violence and Attempted Armed Robbery.
The afternoon assault prompted a substantial police response to the dealership on Sycamore Road, transforming the area into a crime scene. Police said Tripicchio attacked people inside the dealership with a knife, resulting in minor injuries to at least one employee, who received immediate medical attention.
According to DeKalb City Manager Bill Nicklas, Tripicchio advanced toward officers while brandishing the knife after refusing commands to drop it. Officers opened fire, injuring Tripicchio, who was subsequently airlifted to a hospital in Rockford. He is currently in stable condition and is expected to recover.
Upon his release from the hospital, authorities plan to transfer Tripicchio to the DeKalb County Jail.
Police records indicate that Tripicchio was recently released from custody on unrelated domestic violence charges earlier this month. The community is still reeling from the event, highlighting tensions around safety and law enforcement in DeKalb.
No further details have been provided at this time as the situation continues to develop.