Deputy fire chief charged with attempted murder

A suburban Chicago fire official has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly breaking into a woman’s condominium unit.

Tinley Park police say 49-year-old Gary Swiercz allegedly broke into the condo early Saturday while armed with a knife, forced the woman to the floor and beat her.

Police say Swiercz allegedly fled after a struggle, but was found in the condominium’s parking lot and matched the attacker’s description.

Published reports said that Swiercz lives in Tinley Park and is deputy fire chief in Chicago Ridge. He is a former fire chief in Worth.

He was charged with attempted murder, home invasion, aggravated unlawful restraint, aggravated attempted criminal sexual assault and residential burglary.

Bond was set at $150,000.

A message left at his home Sunday was not immediately returned.