Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – “I would ask that you pray for this individual.” Those are the words of Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher referring to the suspect who was shot by Springfield police.
The 19-year-old was shot after reportedly resisting arrest, attempting to flee, and firing a weapon in the direction of police officers during the stop in the 1100 block of South Martin Luther King Drive just before midnight Wednesday. Police aren’t releasing his name at this time, but said he was wanted for suspected involvement in a shots-fired incident and a recent robbery.
Through victim and eyewitness statements, Chief Ken Scarlette said they were able to determine the vehicle involved and a description of the suspect in an incident where shots were fired at an occupied residence earlier in the day on Wednesday. Police located the vehicle using license plate readers.
The mayor and police chief held a press conference Thursday in an effort to be “transparent.” Prior to that, members of the SPD command staff and the union met with the NAACP, the Faith Coalition for the Common Good, Black Lives Matter Springfield, Springfield Coalition for Dismantling Racism and the Community Health Roundtable. Scarlette added they also met with the suspect’s father and grandmother.
The suspect was in stable condition Thursday at HSHS St. John’s Hospital, according to police. Scarlette indicated officers had rendered aid to the suspect who had bleeding wounds on his leg and back and called EMS.
Scarlette said a chaotic situation developed at the scene. He said bystanders were expressing their anger and frustration, and it was directed at officers protecting the crime scene for investigators. Vulgar language was used, bottles were lobbed, and a squad window was broken with a brick.
Illinois State Police are conducting an independent investigation. The plan, according to Scarlette, is to release the bodycam video once the investigation is complete. Per department practice, the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave.
