No charges brought to Mount Carmel officer after fatal shooting
MOUNT CARMEL, Ill. (WEHT) – The Wabash County State's Attorney says a Mount Carmel officer who reportedly shot and killed a 16-year-old armed with a knife is still on administrative leave, but he will not face charges.
Illinois State Police investigate fatal shooting in Mount Carmel
Authorities laid out a more specific timeline of events that took place that night during a press conference Wednesday afternoon.
Wabash County officials say Sgt. Santos of the Mount Carmel Police Department responded to the reports on Lambert Drive around 9:06 p.m.. Officers say they were confronted by 16-year-old Uriah Howder, who was holding a knife.
Following multiple threats made to the officer, Sgt. Santos fired his gun twice. The first round was said to have struck a female juvenile in residence and the second round struck Howder, who later died at a hospital.
Officials say 13 juveniles and 2 adults were present at the residence on Lambert Drive.
Following a lengthy investigation, the state attorney's office said they found the officer's actions justified and said he will not face charges.
Earlier in the night, a report was made to dispatch about Howard, punching equipment at a Marathon gas station. It was said Howder also struck a female juvenile at Marathon. This altercation was captured on security cameras and observed by multiple witnesses.
In the same area near train tracks, it was said Howder told the female "you're going to see me get smashed tonight" and allegedly pulled the female towards the track. Witnesses say the female was able to talk him down the track, but was struck a second time. Authorities say these events happened prior to the shooting on Lambert Drive.
Officials say they are committed to providing transparency in this investigation. Body worn camera recordings were released, along with security footage from the Marathon gas station and the knife Howard allegedly used to threaten Sgt. Santos.
This is still under investigation.
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