Stabbed Villa Park man fires gun to scare off attacker

A Villa Park man was stabbed during a home invasion early Friday but managed to frighten off his attacker by firing several gunshots into the air, police said.

Authorities were searching for the suspect, described as a 5-foot-8 Hispanic man between the ages of 18 and 20 with a thin build. He was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt and baggy blue jeans.

The 44-year-old victim, who lives on the 600 block North Harvard Avenue, told officers his family was awakened by a noise at their front door shortly before 4 a.m. His daughter then found an unknown man hiding in the bathroom.

A struggle ensued between the suspect and the male victim, who was knifed during the altercation, police said. The victim told officers he retrieved a gun and scared off the suspect by firing about four rounds in the air.

The suspect fled north on Michigan Street from Sunset Street riding a black bicycle.

Police said the victim was taken to the hospital for treatment of injuries that were not life-threatening. He was expected to be released later Friday.

“Residents are encouraged to keep their homes secure at night and to report any suspicious activity to police,” Villa Park Detective Sgt. Dan McCann said in a news release.

Further details weren’t immediately available. Police said the investigation was ongoing.