Sandy MaloneRock Island, IL – An armed fugitive was fatally shot by Rock Island police and several officers were injured on Thursday night when the suspect fled and tried to carjack a female bystander.
The incident occurred just after 6 p.m. on April 1 when Rock Island police spotted a wanted suspect near 12th Street and 31st Avenues, the Quad-City Times reported.
Officials said the officers knew the suspect had a warrant and was known to be “armed and dangerous.”
When the officers tried to approach the suspect, he fled, the Quad-City Times reported.
Police said the fleeing suspect was in possession of a handgun.
The suspect ran to a nearby gas station and carjacked a woman in the parking lot, the Quad-City Times reported.
Officers intervened and tried to pull the suspect out of the stolen vehicle.
Officials said the suspect slammed the car into reverse and dragged multiple Rock Island police officers along with it, the Quad-City Times reported.
The suspect smashed the vehicle – with officers still attached to it – into the front of the convenience store attached to the gas station.
That’s when multiple officers opened fire on the suspect, the Quad-City Times reported.
The suspect and three Rock Island officers were transported to Unity-Point Trinity Hospital.
The suspect later died at the hospital, the Quad-City Times reported.
The injured officers were treated and released.
A crowd of about 40 people quickly gathered outside the emergency department at Unity-Point Trinity Hospital, WHBF reported.
It's still an active scene at Unity Point in Rock Island after an officer involved shooting. There is currently a loud protest going on outside outside hospital. @WHBF pic.twitter.com/6ZYoF6V2S0
— Ryan Risky (@rriskyyy) April 2, 2021
There was a heavy police presence at the hospital, too, with officers dressed in riot gear providing security at the entrance.
Social media reports held that angry protesters tried to block police access to the medical facility but police officials did not confirm those rumors.
Rock Island Police Chief Jeffrey VenHuizen and Rock Island County State’s Attorney Dora A. Villarreal were both at convenience store where other angry bystanders had gathered, WHBF reported.
Police recovered a firearm at the scene that they believe belonged to the suspect, the Quad-City Times reported.
Moline police, Rock Island County sheriff’s deputies, and Milan police responded to the scene to assist, WHBF reported.
There's a heavy police presence in Rock Island near 11th Street and 31st Avenue.
We have a crew on scene.
Check back here for updates. pic.twitter.com/Riz3sDdKyi— WQAD (@wqad) April 2, 2021
Police remain on the scene of a fatal officer involved shooting at 11th Street and 31st Avenue, Rock Island. pic.twitter.com/E06OiqMYyd
— Linda Cook, reporter, film critic. (@CookWHBF) April 2, 2021
The Rock Island County Integrity Task Force has taken over the investigation into the officer-involved shooting.
The officers involved in the incident have been placed on paid administrative leave, as is protocol for all officer-involved shootings, according to the Quad-City Times.
Officials have not released the identity of the suspect, nor have they identified the officers who were injured during the incident.
Holly Matkin