Man charged with attempted murder in Sandwich shooting

SANDWICH – A Sandwich man has been charged with attempted murder following a shooting outside a home in the 1100 block of Lillian Lane in Sandwich that left a man seriously injured early Sunday, with a bullet apparently striking a neighboring house.

Sandwich Police Chief James Bianchi confirmed the incident Sunday morning and said police and the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office are in investigating.

Carl R. Russell, 44, of the 1131 Lillian Lane in Sandwich, has been charged with attempted murder, along with aggravated battery with a firearm and aggravated discharge of a firearm. Russell was transported to the DeKalb County Jail in Sycamore. DeKalb County records show Russell purchased the home on May 12.

Neighbors said the incident happened as a party that had begun hours earlier was wrapping up. The neighborhood includes four-plex buildings, with neighbors close to one another.

Cody Wheaton, who lives across street from the house with Heather Ready and their four children said the incident occurred at approximately 12:30 a.m. He said the neighbors in the home where the shooting occurred had moved in about three days ago and were hosting the party.

"Everyone was lighting fireworks off, so I just figured that's what it was," Wheaton said. "Once an ambulance came, it was pretty obvious what had happened."

Shortly before the shooting there had been children present, according to Wheaton.

"Just before this, all the kids were here playing," he said. "My son got home 20 minutes before it happened."

Wheaton said that while police were on the scene, he heard them speak to the shooter about a weapon.

"I was standing across the street and heard them say 'Glock 17,' '" he said.

"This hasn't happened ever around here," he said. "I don't want my kids growing up around this. There was a drive-by in Willshire (subdivision) a couple weeks ago. We moved out here to get away from this."

Wheaton said police searched the area in front of his home for hours looking for the bullet. Shortly after 4 a.m., the officers found the bullet lodged in the exterior of Wheaton's home, about 10 feet from his front door. Wheaton said a single shot was fired.

Wheaton said the ambulance drove away slowly, and about 20 minutes later, a helicopter flew overhead, likely to airlift the victim.

• This is a developing story. Check back for updates.