Man pulled from Fox River in South Elgin

A man who was rescued from the Fox River late Thursday morning near the dam in South Elgin remained in critical condition Thursday evening, officials said.

The South Elgin Police Department and the South Elgin and Countryside Fire Protection District responded to a call about a person in the river with a possible self-inflicted gunshot wound on the west side of the dam on the Fox River, police said.

"Nobody knew what had happened. Nobody had heard a gunshot. The first call was a subject in the water," South Elgin Police Chief Chris Merritt said. "I believe his spouse was following him closely behind and may have saw."

The victim was not conscious and had a "substantial visible wound," he said. His proximity to the dam slowed rescue efforts.

"He was right at the top of the dam so nobody could get into the water without being tied off and secured so they wouldn't be pulled into the boil," Merritt said.

The victim was taken to Presence St. Joseph Hospital in Elgin, and he remained in critical condition Thursday evening, Merritt said.

A weapon was found, and the South Elgin police are handling the investigation, South Elgin and Countryside Fire Protection District Capt. Mike Rothecker said.

At no time was there any risk to the public, police said.

"It's a tragic thing that has happened, and we pray for the family," Merritt said.