A 21-year-old New Lenox man suspected of shooting a family member died after being shot by a Will County sheriff’s deputy.

       Alexander Wheeler fled a home in the 1900 block of Grand Prairie Drive in New Lenox after the domestic dispute at 4:15 a.m. Monday, police said. A Will County sheriff’s deputy located Wheeler at about 5 a.m. near Cedar and Laraway roads.

       When the deputy attempted a traffic stop, Wheeler led police on a pursuit and headed back toward his subdivision and ran from his vehicle after attempting to drive though the backyard of a residence, according to the sheriff’s office.

       Sheriff’s Deputy Chief Dan Jungles said when Wheeler initially refused to comply with police commands, the deputy used a Taser gun but it had little effect. Wheeler continued to refuse to comply when a veteran deputy shot him, Jungles said.

       Wheeler was taken to Silver Cross Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

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       Wheeler was not armed and did not point a weapon at officers, but did charge toward the deputy before he was shot, Jungles said. A gun magazine was found near Wheeler’s body, Jungles said.

       The family member who was shot in the face had serious injuries and was taken to the hospital for treatment, Jungles said. His condition was unknown, according to the sheriff’s office.

       New Lenox police said a second person, who tried to intervene in the domestic, was battered and taken to the hospital for their injuries.

       The officer involved shooting is being reviewed by the Will/Grundy Major Crimes Task Force, following procedure.

       Alicia Fabbre is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.

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