Swiercz Released on Bond, Must Wear Electronic Monitor

Gary Swiercz, who was charged with attempted murder and attempted sexual assault on Saturday after allegedly breaking into his neighbor's apartment in Tinley Park, was released on bond and ordered confined to his parent's home in Worth.

Swiercz, who was earlier placed on indefinite leave from his position as deputy fire chief with the Chicago Ridge Fire Department, must wear an electronic monitoring device.

Prosecutors say Swiercz was wearing a ski mask when he allegedly broke in to his neighbor's apartment. He was reportedly carrying a knife, rope, zip ties and duct tape.

Prosecutors said Swiercz put a knife to the victim's throat and then tried to sexually assault her. They said he left the apartment after a scuffle with the woman.

Witnesses say they say him throwing items into a dumpster.

Swiercz is charged with home invasion, attempted murder, unlawful restraint, burglary and attempted sexual assault.

According to WLS-Channel 7, neighbors in Tinley Park wonder how Swiercz would have gotten into the home.

"Exactly how he got in without anybody hearing? And what are we doing to prevent this in the future?" asked Swiercz's neighbor Lea Elliott.

"To think that someone who is supposed to be protecting us is going around doing these crimes ... It's a scary thought that someone capable of saving your life can go ahead and take it away if they had the chance," said neighbor Ashley Grigaliunas.

According to WBBM-Channel 2, Swiercz's attorney, Colleen McSweeney Moore implied prescription drugs may be to blame and told a judge the attack was "an aberration and totally out of character for this man.”

Moore cited Swiercz's receipt of the Army’s Good Conduct Medal and his community service.

His next court date is scheduled for Tuesday at the Bridgeview courthouse.