Russell Douglas Novak, 70, was shot and killed in his Plano, Illinois, home on September 27, 2024. Officers responded to the 3800 block of Pratt Street about 6:45 p.m. after reports of gunshots and found Novak with multiple gunshot wounds; he died despite life-saving efforts. The shooting occurred during what police described as a home invasion.

Police quickly identified a suspect and vehicle and pursued them from Plano to Aurora, ending near Route 34 and Eola Road. The suspect, identified as 36-year-old Nicholas Novak of Aurora, exited the vehicle armed and pointed a gun at a deputy. A deputy and a Plano officer fired, fatally wounding Nicholas Novak; he was pronounced dead at Rush Copley Hospital from a single gunshot wound. Nicholas Novak was the son of Russell Novak and his ex-wife.

Russell Novak is survived by another son, two brothers, his partner, a granddaughter and numerous nieces and nephews. He was known locally for bowling at Parkside Lanes and Strike and Spare and for his Harley. A GoFundMe was organized for a celebration of life and to benefit the American Heart Association in his memory. Did anyone in the community know Russell and have memories to share or information about the residence on Pratt Street?