WASHINGTON – Police have taken a suspect in custody after an officer-involved shooting Sunday morning that led to one injury, a building fire and an explosion.
According to a news release from the Washington Police Department, officers responded to a report of multiple gunshots fired in the 900 block of Mallard Way about 4:30 a.m. Sunday. Officers from the East Peoria Police Department and Illinois State Police also responded.
A person inside a multi-unit building fired on officers. One Washington police officer returned fire. An officer from an assisting agency sustained a minor injury in the exchange. A physician associated with the Central Illinois Emergency Response Team treated the officer at the scene.
Officers took the suspect into custody and called for medical assistance. The suspect was transported to OSF Medical Center in Peoria.
An explosion occurred at the residence from which the suspect fired, followed by a fire affecting nearby structures. Officers evacuated nearby residences. The Washington Fire Department suppressed the blaze with assistance from surrounding departments.
All residents of the multi-unit building have been displaced due to fire damage, and Washington police have notified the American Red Cross to provide assistance. The Peoria Police Department Explosive Ordinance Disposal team assisted with assessing scene safety.
Washington mayor Lilija Stevens said in a Facebook post that the cause of the explosion in the 900 block of Mallard Way has not yet been determined. Stevens described the crime scene as a “shocking situation for our community.”
“Our Washington Police Department and Washington Fire Department are to be commended, as well as mutual aid from surroundings areas, as they continue to handle this unfolding event,” she added.
Illinois State Police will investigate the officer-involved shooting and conduct an extended investigation into the suspect’s actions. The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal and the Washington Fire Department will investigate the fire.
Mallard Way and Kingsbury Road between North Cummings Lane and Labrador Way have been closed during the investigation, with access only for verified residents.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Crime scene is a “shocking situation” for Washington community
Reporting by Mike Kramer, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
