Category: Local News

RANTOUL, Illinois – The Rantoul Police Department has disclosed the identities and work backgrounds of the two officers connected to a recent shooting incident. In coordination with the Champaign County Multi-Jurisdictional Investigative Team (CCMJIT), led by the Illinois State Police, the Rantoul Police are fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation.

The CCMJIT is actively conducting interviews, gathering evidence, and preparing reports. Once their portion of the investigation concludes, a comprehensive report will be submitted to the Champaign County State’s Attorney. Rantoul Police Chief Anthony Brown expressed support for the investigation, emphasizing the importance of promptly providing the public with a thorough account of the events.

Chief Brown acknowledged the complexities of the investigation, citing the need to collect and analyze multiple pieces of evidence, including video footage and witness statements. He encouraged the community to be patient and understanding during this process.

Following authorization from the CCMJIT, the Rantoul Police Department has released the names of the involved officers. Sergeant Jerry King discharged his weapon during the incident, while Officer Casey Smith was present at the scene but did not fire her weapon.

The officer information is as follows:

• Sergeant Jerry King
  • Hire Date with Rantoul Police Department: 09/23/2013
  • Promotion to Sergeant Date: 01/30/2021
  • Disciplinary History: None
• Officer Casey Smith
  • Hire Date with Rantoul Police Department: 08/08/2022
  • Disciplinary History: None

As per department policy, both officers have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the review of the case by the Champaign County State Attorney’s Office. Additionally, an internal department review will be conducted separately.

Chief Brown reaffirmed the Rantoul Police Department’s commitment to transparency and pledged to share further information as the investigation progresses and concludes. He expressed gratitude for the community’s patience and willingness to engage in discussions about the department’s service to the Village of Rantoul.

Decatur, AL – On June 7, 2023, authorities responded to reports of shots fired near McDonald Ct. SW in Morgan County. The incident occurred around 11:55 p.m., prompting a swift response from the Decatur Police Department.

During the course of their journey to the scene, officers received a distress call from a woman who claimed to have been shot while inside her residence on Wimberly Dr. SW. It is suspected that her injury is connected to the earlier reports of gunfire.

The injured woman was promptly located and subsequently airlifted to Huntsville Hospital for medical attention. She was later transferred to UAB, where she remains in a stable condition.

Upon investigation, law enforcement officers discovered multiple shell casings at the scene. They also determined that three apartments and two vehicles had sustained damage as a result of the shooting.

As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the incident. However, authorities have emphasized that there is no immediate threat or safety concern to the general public based on preliminary findings.

Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Decatur Police Department at 256-341-4600 or reach out to the anonymous tip line at 256-341-4636.

Investigations into the matter are ongoing, and further updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.

Peoria, IL – Qualin C. Lewis (DOB: 10/13/99) has been arrested in connection with the shooting incident targeting Peoria County Deputies on March 16, 2023. Following an extensive investigation, authorities obtained sufficient evidence to support probable cause for Lewis’ arrest. Peoria County Sheriff’s Investigators, Peoria Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) collaborated on the case and conducted surveillance on Lewis.

On June 7, 2023, law enforcement agencies apprehended Lewis in an apartment located in the 2800 block of Ann St at approximately 2:30 p.m. During the arrest, officers discovered a Draco AK-47 pistol in the apartment. Lewis now faces multiple charges, including two counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, two counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and a Department of Corrections Parole Warrant. Additional charges may be added later by the State’s Attorney.

The initial incident occurred in the early hours of March 16, 2023, when Peoria County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to a Shotspotter alert indicating four gunshots in the 2800 block of W. Ann St. Upon arrival, deputies encountered an armed black male wearing a hoodie, who immediately fired several shots at the officers. Thankfully, the deputies were unharmed. The suspect managed to flee the scene on foot and evaded capture. Two firearms, one of which was reported stolen from Chicago, were recovered, along with shell casings.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing, and no other suspects are currently in custody. Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the Peoria County Sheriff’s Office at (309) 697-7822, provide anonymous tips through tip411, or report to Crime Stoppers at (309) 673-9000.

Sheriff Watkins has released this information regarding the incident, known as PCSO Incident #23-1697.

SULPHUR, LA – A tragic incident unfolded in Sulphur overnight when gunshots shattered the silence, resulting in the death of one man and leaving another fighting for his life. The Sulphur Police Department received a distress call shortly after midnight reporting shots fired in the 600 block of West Verdine Street.

Even before law enforcement officials could reach the scene, concerned residents had already gathered outside, grappling with the shock of the incident. James Barbee, a neighbor, expressed his unease, stating, “This is hard, very difficult because this is my home and to see something like this happen across the street, it is very nerve-wracking.”

Upon arrival, officers discovered a man with gunshot wounds in the front yard and another inside the residence. While emergency medical services promptly transported one of the victims, regrettably, the man found outside succumbed to his injuries, his lifeless body lying next to his vehicle.

Sulphur Police Chief John Wall informed the public that detectives were diligently scouring the premises and yard for any potential evidence. Ascertaining the complete details surrounding this incident is expected to be a time-consuming task. Chief Wall emphasized, “This is an active investigation, and we’re still trying to piece together all of the details at this moment.”

Neighbors, deeply concerned for the homeowner’s well-being, expressed their hopes for positive updates. The homeowner, who had been shot, is known by many residents as a long-time member of the community and a devoted father. James Barbee reminisced, “And he loved his children.” Tragically, one of his children was present inside the home during the shooting. Barbee recounted, “All he kept saying was his daddy was shot and there was blood everywhere, and he said his daddy told him to call 911 and get out of the house. He called them right before I did.”

The impact of this traumatic experience on the child is immeasurable, as Barbee shared, “This is something that’s going to stay with him for the rest of his life, and it’s sad because he’s a young kid.” Fortunately, family members arrived at the scene and promptly took custody of the child, providing support and comfort during this distressing time.

As the investigation continues, the community remains on edge, seeking answers and hoping for swift justice. Authorities urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist in bringing closure to this tragic event.

A man was discovered dead after a shooting incident at a residence in Centerville, according to Centerville police. The incident occurred on Thursday morning in response to a reported break-in at a home on Sheehan Road in the 9700 block.

Officer John Davis, the public information officer for the Centerville Police Department, confirmed that the man was shot and pronounced dead at the scene. When law enforcement arrived, they found the deceased male inside the residence, the victim of a gunshot wound.

A woman was also found in the front yard of the property. Officer Davis stated that her involvement in the incident remains unclear, but she was transported to the hospital by medics due to unrelated issues.

No further injuries were reported in connection with the incident. Officer Davis declined to confirm whether the deceased man was the individual attempting to break into the home. He stated that they are not searching for any suspects as all involved parties have been identified. The police are currently focused on obtaining answers regarding the events leading up to the shooting.

The home is occupied by a family of four, with the two children currently under the care of their parents. Investigators have obtained a search warrant for the residence, and a vehicle was towed from the scene as part of the ongoing investigation.

A neighbor, Kevin Schnabel, reported noticing a car parked near his driveway with its lights on during the night. He observed the vehicle around 2 or 3 a.m. and saw that it remained there for another hour and a half. Although Schnabel attempted to get a better look, he was unable to discern any significant details and chose not to approach the car.

Schnabel further stated that he did not hear any gunshots or indications of a break-in. The investigation is still ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Emergency dispatchers have confirmed that the York County Coroner’s office was summoned to the scene of a fire in York County. The incident occurred on Glen Rock Road (Route 216) at approximately 12:30 A.M., prompting the immediate response of fire crews.

According to the Glen Rock Fire Captain, the fire originated in the kitchen area on the first floor of a two-story structure. Firefighters faced no significant challenges while tackling the blaze. While the coroner was initially contacted, the responsibility was later handed over to the state police.

The Loganville Fire Department, along with other response teams, swiftly arrived at the location to assist in managing the fire. As of now, no further details have been provided regarding the circumstances or any potential casualties.

Authorities continue to investigate the incident, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Mount Tarcoola, Geraldton – Superintendent Steve Post issued a message to the Mount Tarcoola community today, expressing condolences and urging caution in the wake of the tragic events that unfolded last Thursday. The incident, which claimed the lives of two young boys, has deeply impacted the community, with thoughts and support flowing to the affected families and friends.

Recognizing the devastating loss of a child under any circumstances, Superintendent Post emphasized the importance of maintaining composure during this challenging time. He acknowledged that emotions, particularly among the younger members of the community, are understandably running high.

Social media has emerged as a platform for providing assistance and conveying messages of support to the affected family. Superintendent Post acknowledged its potential as a powerful tool for connecting friends and offering solace. However, he cautioned against the unintended consequences that can arise when messages lack consideration or appropriateness.

Superintendent Post appealed to parents to engage with their children, ensuring they are coping with the situation and reminding them of the impact that social media posts can have on others. By promoting responsible online behavior, the community can provide a supportive environment during this trying period.

Furthermore, Superintendent Post emphasized the ongoing nature of the police investigation into the incident. He requested the community’s cooperation in refraining from public speculation regarding the cause of the fire, urging them to consider the welfare of the young boys involved, as well as their families and friends, before making any public comment on the matter.

As the Mount Tarcoola community grapples with this tragedy, Superintendent Post’s message serves as a reminder to approach the situation with sensitivity, unity, and a focus on supporting those affected.

Decatur, GA – Two individuals have sustained injuries following a double shooting that occurred overnight at a residence in Decatur, as confirmed by the DeKalb County Police.

Limited details are currently available regarding the incident, which took place at a house situated on Cavalier Drive around 4 a.m. on Thursday. The identities of the victims and the circumstances surrounding the shooting have not been disclosed at this time.

Authorities are actively investigating the incident to gather more information and determine the events leading up to the incident. Updates will be provided as more details become available.

No further information has been released regarding the conditions of the injured individuals or any potential suspects involved in the shooting.

The motive behind the shooting remains unknown, and it is unclear whether the victims were targeted or if this was a random act of violence.

Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact the DeKalb County Police Department to assist in the ongoing investigation.

The community is advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities as they work to ensure the safety and security of the area.

Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

CANTON, Ohio — A Canton police officer was grazed by a bullet in a shooting incident that occurred late Wednesday night, according to police sources. The incident took place at approximately 10:20 p.m. on the northbound ramp from I-77 to Cleveland Ave. SW.

Sources informed the FOX-8 I-Team that the suspect, whose identity remains unknown, was allegedly involved in a domestic incident and subsequently fled from officers. Shortly afterward, shots were fired, resulting in serious injuries to the suspect. Sources later confirmed to the FOX 8 I-Team that the suspect died, although it remains unclear who fired the shots.

Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Canton Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, and Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, responded to the scene of the shooting. A second location on 25th St. SW was also believed to be linked to the incident.

As of early Thursday morning, the identity and condition of the injured officer have not been disclosed.

Alpharetta Police are currently searching for a man who allegedly shot two women during a carnival held in the parking lot of North Point Mall on Wednesday evening. The incident occurred around 7 p.m. when the unidentified man opened fire on the two women. One victim was transported to the hospital via ambulance, while the other was airlifted. The extent of their injuries and their identities remain undisclosed.

Law enforcement officials have categorized the shooting as an isolated event. The perpetrator left behind a handgun at the scene before fleeing. Lt. David Freeman stated, “We do not know what the motive was, what transpired that led to the firearm going off… nobody is in danger at this time.” Authorities have yet to determine if the carnival will resume its operations on Thursday.

Further details regarding the ongoing investigation and the condition of the victims are awaited as the Alpharetta Police intensify their efforts to apprehend the suspect.