Ex-deputy fire chief allegedly confesses to Tinley Park attack

January 9, 2013 (BRIDGEVIEW, Ill.) (WLS) -- The former suburban fire official accused of attacking a female neighbor allegedly has confessed to the crime.

Gary Swiercz was a deputy fire commissioner in Chicago Ridge, having been with the Chicago Ridge Fire Department for more than 20 years.

Prosecutors say he broke into a woman's Tinley Park apartment Saturday, threatened to cut her throat and slammed her to the floor before fleeing.

Because he allegedly wore a mask, the victim didn't recognize the attacker-- and after the attack, she unknowingly went to Swiercz' apartment to seek help, but he was not there.

Swiercz faces multiple charges, including attempted murder.

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