Off-duty Chicago Police Deputy Chief and Sergeant Detain Man who was Armed in Church

Chicago Police Deputy Chief James Keating and Sergeant Joseph Kipka were attending a Sunday morning church service when they encountered a man carrying a gun at an unlikely location, church.

David Kucia, 57, of southwest suburban Aurora was charged with Unlawful Use of a Weapon.

The incident occurred today during the 11 a.m. Mass at Nativity of Our Lord Church, 653 W. 37th Street. Two parishioners initially observed Kucia stand up in church with a black handgun protruding out of his rear pants’ pocket. Kucia then moved the weapon from the rear pocket and placed it into his waistband before proceeding into the Holy Communion line towards the alter.

One of the parishioners mentioned his observation to off-duty Deputy Chief Keating who immediately stepped forward and approached the armed man during a calculated moment to ensure safety.

Keating and Kipka immediately escorted and detained Kucia outside the church after learning that Kucia was not a law enforcement officer. Kucia was carrying a loaded Glock handgun in his waistband and also disclosed that he was carrying a 12 guage shotgun inside his vehicle.

Kucia is scheduled to appear in Branch Court 48-2 on June 16, 2008.