Crime & Safety

Police Taser Man after He Breaks into Ex-Wife's House

Oak Lawn man charged with criminal damage to property, criminal trespassing and obstructing a police officer.

Oak Lawn police used a police canine to track down and Taser a man who broke into his ex-wife’s house on May 10.

Ronald Godzal, 37, of Oak Lawn, was charged with criminal damage to property, criminal trespassing and obstructing a police officer. Godzal also was found to have an outstanding warrant for his arrest in Minnesota, police said.

Police said the victim’s brother called them at 1:15 p.m., after a neighbor phoned him to say Godzal threw a rock through his sister’s window.

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According to the brother, his sister has been divorced from Godzal for two years. The brother met police at his sister’s house on the 5700 block of West 88th Place and opened the door for them, police said.

The cops sent the police dog into the house when Godzal did not answer their voice commands. When they did not hear the dog indicate that he found anyone in the house, police entered the home and found Godzal sitting perfectly still on the couch.

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Police ordered Godzal to open his hands, which he held clenched in front of him. When he did not comply, police made him lie face down on the floor. As police approached Godzal to handcuff him, he pushed himself up off the floor, according to police reports.

Godzal was Tasered twice in the back. Police got him to his feet and removed the Taser barbs. Police said Godzal refused medical treatment but was rendered first aid.

Police said Godzal had two outstanding warrants from Winona County, Minn., for violation of probation and driving under the influence. County police in Minnesota indicated that they would begin extradition proceedings.

Godzal appeared in bond court on May 11. His ex-wife is also obtaining an order of protection.


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