Kyler Alvord
Updated on: October 8, 2024 3:36 am GMT
MACOMB, IL — A dramatic standoff unfolded in Macomb on Wednesday and Thursday as Shaiking M. Mathis, 38, was accused of shooting two police officers while they attempted to execute a search warrant. The incident began at approximately 6:44 p.m. on Wednesday at a residence on North Normal Street, close to Western Illinois University. Following a nearly 20-hour standoff, Mathis surrendered peacefully to authorities around 2:10 p.m. on Thursday.
Details of the Incident
According to police officials, the two officers were struck by gunfire shortly after they forced entry into the home, where Mathis was located. The injuries were reported to be in the lower torso and leg. Both officers were initially listed in critical condition and were transported to a trauma center in Peoria. Thankfully, by late Wednesday night, their condition stabilized, and by Thursday afternoon, both officers were back home, expected to make a full recovery, as confirmed by Macomb Police Chief Jeff Hamer.
Charges and Ongoing Investigation
Mathis faces several charges, including four counts of aggravated battery to a police officer and one count of aggravated discharge of a firearm, with additional charges anticipated as the investigation progresses. Chief Hamer noted that authorities are conducting a use-of-force probe regarding the incident. He did not disclose the specifics of what the police were seeking when they executed the search warrant but explained that an ongoing investigation is taking place.
While Mathis has a limited criminal history, reportedly dating back over 12 years, he is not a student at Western Illinois University. Furthermore, Hamer stated that the Macomb police and McDonough County Sheriff’s Office had no prior contact with Mathis before this incident. A second individual present outside the residence was briefly detained but later released.
Community Response and Safety Measures
The incident led to heightened alerts at nearby educational institutions. In response, Western Illinois University temporarily closed both its Macomb and Quad Cities campuses as a precaution. Additionally, reports of an active shooter prompted responses from police at both Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) and Illinois State University (ISU) later that evening. However, authorities quickly determined there was no active threat at those locations.
Bloomington Police and ISU Police requested that community members critically assess the information being shared and avoid spreading misinformation. They emphasized the importance of reporting firsthand accounts to law enforcement to facilitate quicker responses to threats.
Response from Authorities
During a press conference streamed on Facebook Live, Chief Hamer praised the professionalism and courage displayed by his officers throughout the ordeal. He expressed gratitude for their dedication to the safety of the Macomb community.
“We take all reports seriously, and responses to these incidents take priority when the safety and well-being of our community members are threatened,” stated the Bloomington Police Department on their Facebook page. “It is essential to recognize that misinformation and social media shared without context can cause serious harm to our community.”
Current Status
As the investigation continues, police are diligently searching the property where Mathis was barricaded. Although Chief Hamer did not believe there were any additional individuals in the home, police were not ruling out the possibility until the area had been thoroughly examined.
Mathis is currently in police custody and is scheduled to appear in court on Friday for a detention hearing. Authorities are focused on gathering more information surrounding the incident, and any additional updates will be communicated as they become available.
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