Westmont man slain after argument with son

A Westmont man remained hospitalized Thursday after police said he fatally stabbed his father, then led them on a car chase that ended when he crashed into a tree.

Authorities are waiting to see if 28-year-old Rostyslav Demtsyo survives before pursuing criminal charges. They said doctors placed him in a drug-induced coma to stabilize him.

Police responded at 9:15 p.m. Wednesday to a fight between the victim, Oleg A. Demtsyo, 53, and his son, Rostyslav, outside their home on the 200 block of North Wilmette Street.

The first police officer arrived within two minutes, but authorities said the son was gone. The elder Demtsyo was pronounced dead at Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove. He suffered more than 30 stab wounds, officials said.

Police said they caught up with Rostyslav Demtsyo within minutes. They began pursuing his silver 2006 Dodge Stratus after spotting him traveling south on Cass Avenue near 55th Street.

Afterward, they said Demtsyo struck a southbound silver SUV on Cass Avenue at 73rd Street. The SUV hit a northbound motorist. The Stratus then crashed into a tree.

Rescuers rushed five people from all three cars, including Demtsyo, to area hospitals. Their conditions were not immediately available, but Rostyslav Demtsyo's injuries are considered severe.

Police have not been able to interview him yet, but they said his mother witnessed much of the attack. Authorities said she told them her son, who has a history of mental illness and had run out of his medication, attacked her husband after growing increasingly paranoid and delusional.

Afterward, he demanded she give him his car keys. Authorities said he threatened his mother, but did not physically harm her.

DuPage County State's Attorney Joseph Birkett said he does not plan to file charges until the man's medical condition improves.

"If and when he comes out of the coma," Birkett said. "It (possible charges) won't be for a few days."

Westmont Police Chief James L. Ramey emphasized the murder was domestic in nature, rather than a random crime, and there is no risk to further public safety.

It was the village's first homicide since Sept. 10, 2005, when a man stabbed his neighbor on Vail Drive during a drunken dispute. Lewis J. Watson, 35, was sentenced last spring to 14 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder charge after arguing it was in self defense.