Man, 35, Dies After Shot By Own Gun In Struggle With Homeowner During Attempted Break-In: Police

KANKAKEE, IL — A man attempting to break in to a Kankakee apartment was shot with his own shotgun amid a struggle with the resident, Kankakee Police said in a release Tuesday.

Police responded just before 6 p.m. Dec. 21 to a call of shots fired in the 1200 block of East Oak Street. While en route, dispatch told police that a male gunshot victim was lying near an apartment where an attempted break-in had taken place.

Police found Travis L. Hayes, 35, from Kankakee, with a single gunshot wound. He was taken to Riverside Medical Center, where he later died.

The resident of the apartment where Hayes and an accomplice were reportedly attempting to gain entry remained on the scene and cooperated with officers, police said. The resident directed officers to a firearm involved in the incident, which was secured as evidence.

The resident, a 47-year-old man, has cooperated fully with the investigation and provided a statement to detectives. According to the statement, police say Hayes and an accomplice attempted to forcibly enter the apartment, and Hayes was reportedly armed with a shotgun.

A physical struggle ensued between Hayes and the resident, during which the resident discharged the shotgun, striking Hayes, police said. This incident remains an active and ongoing investigation.

The firearm involved will be submitted for tracing through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Firearm Tracing System, police said. Upon completion of the investigation, the case will be forwarded to the Kankakee County State's Attorney's Office for final review.

Anyone who witnessed this incident or has additional information is encouraged to contact the Kankakee Police Department at 815-933-0426.

"This was a very tragic incident," said Police Chief Chris Kidwell. "Our thoughts remain with all those affected, and we are committed to conducting a thorough and transparent investigation."