UPDATED: 4:30 p.m. Thursday
A 38-year-old Macomb man accused of shooting two Macomb Police officers peacefully surrendered Thursday afternoon following nearly 20 hours of what law enforcement officials call “extensive negotiations.”
Shaiking M. Mathis, a 38 year-old male residing in the 300 block of North Normal Street in Macomb, was taken into custody without further incident around 2:10 p.m. Thursday and transported to the McDonough County Jail.
Mathis has been charged with four counts of aggravated battery to a police officer and one count of aggravated discharge of a firearm for the shooting incident that injured two Macomb Police officers Wednesday evening. Additional charges are pending.
At approximately 6:44 p.m. Wednesday, officers from the Macomb Police Department attempted to serve a search warrant in the 300 block of North Normal Street. Upon announcing their presence multiple times before entering the property, two Macomb police officers were shot by a suspect inside the residence. Both officers were transported to area hospitals and then transferred to a trauma center in Peoria. Both officers are recovering at home, and are expected to make a full recovery.
During a news conference Wednesday afternoon, Macomb Police Jeff Hamer read the following statement:
“The Macomb Police Department wants to express my relief that this incident came to a peaceful conclusion and there were no further injuries. We also would like to thank the community for their patience, understanding, support, and generosity as this incident impacted many aspects of our daily lives here in Macomb.
“I’d like to thank our law enforcement partners for their assistance in this incident. The efforts of the Illinois State Police, the McDonough County Sherriff’s Office, and the many other officers who assisted on scene and with our officers at the hospital are sincerely appreciated. I’d also like to express my extreme gratitude to the men and women of the Macomb Police Department. The professionalism and bravery they displayed during this entire incident and their dedication to the citizens of Macomb is to be commended.”
The use of force investigation is being conducted by the Illinois State Police.
–––––
The suspect in a shooting incident that wounded two Macomb Police officers in the 300 block of North Normal on Wednesday evening has been taken into custody without incident.
According to a statement from the Macomb Police Department, the scene is still secure and being processed.
More information will be provided at a 4 p.m. press briefing. Officials say to please continue to avoid the area during this time.
–––––
Two Macomb Police officers shot while serving a warrant Wednesday evening have been released from the hospital.
During an 10 a.m. press briefing Thursday at Macomb City Hall, Macomb Police Chief shared the news that his officers had been released from a trauma unit at a Peoria hospital.
One subject located outside the house was detained, identified, and released by the Macomb Police Department. A suspect remains barricaded at the residence. Officers from the McDonough County Sherriff’s Department and surrounding counties responded to support Macomb Police Department in securing the area and managing the situation. The Illinois State Police SWAT team, ISP Crisis Negotiations Team, along with assistance from local and regional law enforcement, continue to work on the investigation.
Law enforcement remains on the scene. The incident is isolated to the 300 block of North Normal Street; please avoid the area. There is no other active threat to the community at this time. Out of an abundance of caution, Western Illinois University and Wesley Day Care has closed their campuses on Thursday, September 5.
Pursuant to department policy, the tactical operation and ongoing investigation has been turned over to the Illinois State Police.
Further updates from the Macomb Police Department will be coordinated with the Illinois State Police
This story will be updated. — Will Stevenson, WGIL News
–––––
Two Macomb Police officers remain hospitalized in critical but stable condition after being shot while serving a warrant Wednesday evening.
According to Macomb Police, the officers were shot while in the process of serving a warrant in the 300 block of North Normal Street.
During an 11 p.m. press briefing at Macomb City Hall and broadcast on the MPD Facebook page, both Macomb Police Chief Jeff Hamer and Mayor Mike Inman said they had spoken to the wounded officers by phone, with the mayor saying “they are in good spirits and doing relatively well considering what they’ve encountered today.”
Law-enforcement remains on scene. Officials urge citizens to stay away from the area.
The Macomb Police Department says there is no active threat to the community at this time.
The police department will provide updates in regular intervals.
