After Confrontation with Police Authorities in Berwyn, Illinois, were thrown into a chaotic series of events late Wednesday night as a suspect in a triple homicide was fatally shot by police. The man, later identified as 24-year-old John Lyons of Westchester, was wanted for a violent incident earlier that day in Mahomet, Illinois, where three family members were killed.
The first call to Berwyn police came in around 11:40 p.m. to report an armed man in the 1800 block of Home Avenue. Officers responded in an effort to take Lyons into custody, but he took off, triggering an action-packed and hazardous chain of events.
Intrusion Ends in Violence
Lyons forced his way into a residence on Wenonah Avenue, where he killed two dogs. Homeowner Scott Wishecoby found Lyons in his basement. The suspect shot several rounds in a terrifying confrontation before he fled the location.
Wishecoby quickly got his family to safety, his wife and son having managed to make it to a neighbor’s home while the two dogs inside the house – a pit bull named Missy and her 1-year-old pup Bear Bear – died in the break-in. Suspect Opens Fire on Police
The police continued to chase him as Lyons entered several yards and eventually headed back to the 1800 block of Home Avenue. According to the police, Lyons fired in their direction, prompting them to return fire. In the aftermath of the exchange, Lyons was fatally shot.
Association with Triple Homicide in Mahomet
Earlier Wednesday, Lyons was identified as the prime suspect in a triple killing in Mahomet, Illinois. The victims, identified as Sara Mason, 26, Janis Mason, 61 and Caleb Mason, 23 were found dead inside a residence. According to court records, Lyons had been involved in a civil dispute with Caleb Mason, a possible motive in the slayings. Investigation Ongoing
The Illinois State Police have taken over the investigation into the officer-involved shooting, per routine. For now, Berwyn police asked people to avoid that area as they continue their investigation.
This incident underlines how violence ripples into a community’s life, filled with questions and loss.
