Illinois State Police have released body camera video of a fatal officer-involved shooting where a 22-year-old man took an officer’s firearm and shot himself at a gas station.
The man, identified as an Eastern Illinois University student, called 911 around 1 a.m. on Jan. 25, requesting help. Body camera video shows three Charleston officers engaging with the man, who admitted to smoking marijuana. One officer reassured him, saying he could relax and did not need to keep his hands behind his back. Police were trying to gather information for paramedics when the man told them he suspected the marijuana had been laced with PCP.
An officer suggested he sit in a vehicle to warm up. Moments later, as the man’s shaking intensified, officers moved in to stabilize him near a gas pump. Video shows the man suddently move toward the officer and managing to grab the officer’s duty weapon.
The man then fired a single shot, striking himself, Illinois State Police said.
