Door cam footage from a suburban home in Illinois captured the harrowing moments last weekend when two intruders wearing medical masks and gloves attempted to force their way through the front door.
The homeowner killed one intruder with a firearm and sent the other running down the street. The video showing the incident is from a doorbell camera and was originally obtained by The Daily Herald.
Police have not identified the victims, but the homeowner appears to have spoken out about the incident in a public Facebook post.
“Most are aware of the armed home invasion in Arlington Heights on Saturday, April 4th. Many of you are aware, and for those that are not, this is about our family, OUR HOME,” Illinois resident Sebastian Maniscalco said. “This is an open case therefore I will limit any description of the horror, terror and fear my family had to endure that day and all that continues. There are no words to be found to appropriately define the ongoing aftermath of this event for our family. We are doing our best and praying each following day will bring better than the last.”
The footage from April 4 depicts Bradley Finnan, 39, and Larry Brodacz, 58, walking up to the home around 2:00 p.m. wearing medical masks and gloves. One carries a bag while the other knocks on the door.
When Maniscalco opens the door, Brodacz says, “Hey, how you doing, boss?” and forces his way inside. Finnan follows close behind and a struggle ensues off-camera.
Maniscalco can be heard yelling, along with what sounds like a woman’s voice.
About 20 seconds later, Maniscalco and Finnan burst out of the house, and the homeowner throws the intruder to the ground. Maniscalco can be heard yelling for help to a group of landscapers across the street as he continues to strike Finnan.
Soon after, Finnan runs down the street and Maniscalco runs back inside.
SEE ALSO: Female Homeowner Shoots, Kills Home Intruder Who Had Been Casing Her House for Hours
Investigators later learned that while Maniscalco had been fighting Finnan, Brodacz had broken into Maniscalco’s bedroom, where Maniscalco’s wife had hidden with their children, according to the Herald. Brodacz pushed the children onto the bed and pointed a .25-caliber semi-automatic handgun at the woman.
Maniscalco had by that time returned to the house and retrieved a handgun, with which he tried to shoot Brodacz. A struggle ensued after Maniscalco’s first shot missed, and Brodacz went after Maniscalco and his family with a knife. Maniscalco fired a second shot that hit Brodacz in the stomach, and he died at the scene.
Police caught Finnan and have charged him with home invasion and murder, according to the Herald. The murder charge comes from a statue that allows defendants to be charged if they take part in a felony offense that leads to another person’s death.
Authorities told the Herald that the homeowner acted in self-defense and will not be charged. He suffered a head wound in the altercation with Brodacz.
The incident took place in Arlington Heights, a suburb northwest of Chicago. Finnan lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee, but went to high school in a city about 80 miles west of Chicago called Rockford. Brodacz lives in Buffalo Grove, just north of Chicago.
Chicago Interim Police Superintendent Charlie Beck said in March that he had instructed his officers to limit the number of arrests in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
SEE ALSO: Houston Pastor, Wife Shoot and Kill Home Intruder
Two days after the incident, the Illinois Department of Public Health recommended that anyone leaving their homes wear a mask.
Finnan, who is being held without bail, told investigators that Brodacz claimed to have seen $200,000 cash in boxes in the home 20 years ago and believed it was still there, according to Cook County prosecutors.
Investigators later found that the bag Finnan brought to the home contained zip ties and a blow torch.
Just a few hours before the attempted robbery took place, Finnan posted on Facebook a happy birthday note to his daughter, who turned 12 on the day of the incident, April 4, according to the post.
“I’ll be seeing you here real soon!!!” he says.
WTF!! These animals show up to this families home with zip ties and a blow torch mind you and they are referred to as victims. What about what the poor family has to go through? These people were traymatized. I do not rejoice at hearing of anyone’s death criminal or not. These are individuals that society can do without. While wishing for no one to have to face any type of violence, how would some of these reporters who view the peep as a victim, it would be interesting to hear her tone if she were ever victimized. If I were in politics I would run on the issue of gun control also. My cause would be at least one AR15 for every household. If there were a problem with having an AR15 then they could have an AK. Gun control= hitting what you aim at. 🖕the progressives and anti gunners and SJW’s.
I want to know why the punks that started this mess are called “VICTIMS”??? They are the idiots that started the invasion. The homeowners were the victims. One of the idiots that committed the crime got what he had coming and the other should get it by the courts. But of course, he will just get a slap on the wrist and be considered a “Victim” by the LIBTARDS for the rest of his miserable life. BOO HOO HOO
Typical liberal state where they would call the perpetrators of a violent crime “Victims”. Maybe victims of their stupidity. A great example of a gun owners being able defend themselves with a firearm. Where was the police as the liberals will have us believe when they infringe our 2nd Amendment.
Zip ties and blow torch? Sounds like the two bad guys were going to torture the inhabitants of the house until they revealed the location of the twenty year old non -existent $200,000.
Home invasions seem to be up… or maybe we are just hearing about them more often due to social media.
How many carry at home?
Terrible situation, excellent outcome.
Something about this whole story doesn’t fit I’m with NYPSD and I know one thing that the home owner better thank the cops who made the report. Hahaaaaa it’s all good one less scum in the world
GOOD! WHIP THAT ASS; A MAN OR WOMAN HOME IS THEIR CASTLE, PROTECT IT AND EVERYONE INSIDE. THESE SAME ASSHOLE WOULD DO THE SAME THING… FUCK THEM STAND YOUR GROUND…THEY KEEP PATROLLING THE SAME ONES OVER AND OVER AND WHO IS LEFT IN TEAR’S I MEAN FUCK THEM TRESPASSERS
I don’t understand why the perp went after them with a knife if he had a gun. something doesn’t make sense.
IT’S CALLED SELF DEFENSE AND IF YOU WERE EVER IN THAT TYPE OF SITUATION THEN YOU WOULD REALIZE THAT YOU DON’T HAVE ANY TIME WASTE… I FEEL
HE REACTS PERFECT DON’T JUDGE HIM TILL YOU ARE IN HIS SHOES
You’re misunderstanding his point. The “bad guy” had a gun pointed at the wife, but when the homeowner re entered the house, the bad guy fought him with a knife, instead of shooting at him.
My guess would be in the struggle, the bad guy dropped his gun, or being shot at caused him to drop the gun.
The homeowner…Sebastion Maniscalco, is he the famous comedian by same name? Anyway…a BIG ‘HURRAH’ for this Sebastion Maniscalco, saved his precious family by his swift actions.
Thank You Almighty God for inspiring Our Founding Fathers to include Our 2nd Amendment in Our Precious Bill OF Rights.
He was the comedian’s cousin and had the same name.
“I’ll be seeing you here real soon!!!”
He will probably be released “real soon” due to the Wuhan virus concerns.
DAGNABBIT!!! 😖- “not-so-smartphone auto subsituting”🤔, I forget to read prior to posting: “gallon = ga.” (gauge)…. Thanks again for these stories. Sincerely Randy. 👍👍👍👍🙏😇👊
Hello, thanks for these stories of homeowners who “stood their ground and fought back”, not letting any of those certified “a$$#@!%$” from getting away with what they wanted. Choose a “magazine fed 12 gallon. as a better deterran” rather than a pistol or knife for several reasons!!! Keep these vids coming. Take care, “God Bless”, sincerely Randy.
My first question was why did he open the door in the first place?
Because thats what people do when someone comes to the door YOU FUCKING IDIOT !!!
It’s what fools do… maybe you should look in a mirror. I NEVER open the door unless it’s someone I know and trust, and even then the minimum I’ll have is an 19 shot G21 just in case someone tries to force past the known person. In this case i would have retrieved my 00 buckshot loaded Mossberg 500 and set up, aimed at the door. Smart people never open the door unless they KNOW WHO IS THERE. It almost cost this man his life
Gotta love the Monday morning quarter backs who would have gone and got their 00 shotgun and shot right through the door. Give me a break. They had a bag and looked like they could have been anybody from a repair man the cable company. You’re ridiculous.
Thank god the family is ok physically however, mentally these things don’t just go away. Training training training. I have to agree with another comment about having firearms. They are a big liability that by statistics create more problems then without (BECAUSE PEOPLE DON’T TRAIN ENOUGH). I believe in our 2nd amendment and that it should include ” whatever you feel works best, FA, etc. ” However, better training could have made this a smoother outcome with 2 body bags and the wife and kids would have seen nothing but just heard load bangs “2 each chest 1 head each. Then call 911 if the wife had not done so already. Also, I agree that everyone in the family should be trained and practice scenarios just like I taught many family’s to do before I retired from the fire dept., family drills on how to get out of house fires. A FAMILY THAT PRACTICES TOGETHER, SURVIVES TOGETHER.
That happened in suburban Illinois? I’m surprised to hear that the homeowner wasn’t thrown in jail. It obviously did not happen in a suburb of Chicago.
Maybe they should have chosen your house so the poor criminals could have got away and not been harmed and left innocent dead victims behind …. YOU IDIOT !!!!
Except for the FOIA card, ILL is not as draconian as some states, that is everything outside of Chicago. My son lived in Lake County and had a pretty good arsenal. Only issue with him was dumb gun ranges that would only allow you to load one round at a time in a semi-auto rifle. If you look at county by county voting, ILL is a pretty conservative, lots of red counties, and that is what ticks off most of ILL, they are not represented by their government since the massive population and like minded leftist thinking is around Chicago and environs, and they outnumber everyone else.
I absolutely love this heartwarming ending. The only thing that would’ve made it better is if he could’ve killed the other scumbag too!!!
The home owner does not call 911!
NOPE, he dialed 9MM, it got the job none quicker ! (not really sure what he used, but it worked)
Yea, like he had time to call 911. Besides, when seconds count, the police are minutes away.
HOPEFULLY THIS HAPPENS TO YOU SO YOU CAN SHOW HIM HOW IT’S DONE!!! You are to STUPID and I feel bad for family not having someone to defend them.
This is why it’s important to carry ALL THE TIME, even at home. Not just when you leave your house. Glad the homeowner and family made it through this ordeal.
To all the POLITICIANS – THIS is why the 2nd Amendment exists and why you all need to STAND DOWN on your assault of the law abiding citizen’s right to bear arms.
Answering the door does not mean opening the door! And just drop the scary ‘wearing masks’ headline crap, with the obvious implication that it’s somehow bad. EVERYBODY in public should be wearing a mask, or they’re just plain stupid and wrong.
Your someone who would where a mask in public prior to coronavirus? Flu is far and away a bigger killer. So you have been wearing a mask for years. Have you considered a aluminum foil cap with matching top coat? News flash, YOUR GOING TO DIE,WITH OR WITHOUT THE MASK! Live your life and enjoy the time he gives you with the ones you love.
No, flu is NOT a bigger killer. i’ve run the numbers and c-19 is approximately 53 TIMES as deadly, percentage wise. Only oblivions are going ouit in public without masks, gloves, goggles/faceshields, and yes, earplugs
if you want to live in a cage asshole go right ahead,i’ll choose to live free,stick your mask up your ass!
This will be the first person to beg for government protection and a free ventilator once he gets it
This is why I not only have a Ring Doorbell/camera, but also a Blink system that includes exterior cameras. And if I do happen to open my door, there’s a 1911 in my hand behind my back.
“..there’s a 1911 in my hand..” DToM (Don’t Tread on Me 🙂 !!
Wow, glad the family is OK. The only better ending to this story is if he had shot and killed BOTH of them.
This is why I am armed at home too. Pants on gun on is the rule. Great job of defending your family.
One man against two, amazing job, Sir. The perps were apparently planning to use the blow torch on the victim, or his wife/kids, to get the money FROM 20 YEARS AGO!!!
Wife needs to learn to shoot a pistol, and keep it near her.
I’m going to get one of those ornamental wrought iron outer doors, so I can talk with visitors, but stay safe until I confirm who they are! If done right, they’re virtually in unbreachable.
I have a steel mesh screen door with double locks. Great to “review” who is at the door. One time a guy
complained that he couldn’t see me. I said, “that’s the point, but, I can see you!” I’ll never be without
this type of outer screen door.
Also, responding to a couple others here. I home carry each and every day, besides when I go out. I am a CCW permit holder and am well trained by many LE officers at a Police Academy I attended, and a 30 day
school taught by all active and 1 retired LE officers. 2 to center mass and 1 to “the triangle.” More if required!! My son is a LE officer. Sniper for the SWAT team.
Being well trained and practiced is a must if you are going to carry. If you don’t, then you are a liability to yourself, family, and anyone that needs help. Too many get a quicky CCW, buy a gun, and think they are
Rambo! NO….you are not, and you are not ready for “prime time” if and when that ever happens to you.
This is insane. What were these guys after? Threatening the women and children? Their actions were so bad that even in Illinois the homeowner not in trouble (In Britain the homeowner would have been arrested).
Unlike shitty UK, we have Stand Your Ground laws
Yes, we visited UK last year for D-Day celebration. We met and spoke with many police there (husband is retired LEO and we met locals through International Police Assoc). We asked about self-defense practice, they told us it was OK “as long as we didn’t hurt the offender too badly”. We felt sorry for their police, weighed down with Kevlar vests, but no weapons to defend themselves with. London does have snipers in helicopters though, and government buildings have police with MP-4s.
So he was just trying to get some cash to buy his 12 year old daughter a birthday gift. These aren’t bad guys, just economically stressed from covid-19. Blow torch and zip ties? Maybe he just wanted to help out with some home improvement. Wow, apparently bad guys come in all ages and colors. Trust no one
If the Democrats take over these victim home owners will not be allowed to have a gun in their home to protect their family, let this be a lesson for us all, God Bless the 2nd Amendment
Check the door cam BEFORE you answer the door. If you don’t know the people, ask for ID.
Currently, I answer the door with weapon in hand.
These must be pretty dumb police or a pretty dumb reporter:
“ Police have not identified the victims, but the homeowner appears to have spoken out about the incident…”
Hello…! The HOMEOWNER, his wife and child?
Right, the police have not identified the homeowner and his family, who were the victims. What don’t you understand? We had to find the homeowner’s name ourselves because the police had not identified him.
“Authorities told the Herald that the homeowner acted in self-defense and will not be charged.”
My, that’s mighty big of them. Maybe there’s hope for IL after all.
Fantastic job protecting your family, sir. One less scumbag sitting in jail waiting to take a plea bargain. Now get your wife trained on using that 9mm….or a shotgun. She could’ve been a victim while you were struggling with the second POS
I want to know why the wife in the bedroom with the kids didn’t have a shotgun or at least a pistol in there…
So, will Sebastian Maniscalco be arrested because he went outside without a mask?
It’s Illinois. Don’t give em any ideas.
Well technically he wasn’t practicing social distancing when he was beating that poor man who was just trying to get some money to buy his 12 year old daughter a birthday gift.
Justice served. Now fry the other SOB
The home owner is the victim, not the dead criminal.
In our presently screwed-up country, the homeowner will almost certainly be sued for “wrongful death” if the dead criminal scum has any family. In the Progressive-Socialist “paradise” known as Chicago, a jury will likely find him guilty and award $30million. SMH
Hmmm surprised that there’s no comments. By the way California has the same statue…and I wonder why he thought that the money would be there 20 years later.
The 200k __was__ there, until last February or so, then consumed buying auto fuel. Another Lib fiasco.
Man, what a nightmare scenario. I’m glad the homeowner and his family made it through relatively unscathed, that almost went completely sideways. Hopefully they’re able to recover from this without too much undue attention or legal trouble. Definitely a case for having a good door chain, that alone might have bought them some time to react at least.
Re: Door chain, the way I read it, the owner allowed them entrance. I always ask who and why through the door before unlocking. Also I use one of those poles that you place under the doorknob and angles to the floor. Very stout, and would give one valuable time if forced entry attempted. By then 10mm pointed.