ST. CLAIR COUNTY, Ill. – On Saturday night in Fairview Heights, three officers were shot while responding to reports of a suspicious person in a residential area, as reported by the Fairview Heights Police Department. Shortly after the incident, one suspect was taken into custody.
The three officers were shot just before 10 p.m. Saturday outside of homes on Potomac Drive and were rushed to area hospitals for treatment.
One officer was shot in the face and underwent emergency surgery. He is in critical but stable condition.
The second officer was shot in the arm where the bullet broke a bone. He also remains at the hospital for treatment.
A third officer appeared to have been shot in the back but the vest stopped the bullet. He was treated and released.
Two other officers sustained injuries fighting the suspect. They were treated at the hospital for these injuries and released.
According to the Fairview Heights Police Department, the suspect has been apprehended and the firearm involved has been retrieved. The Illinois State Police are overseeing the investigation to maintain neutrality.
There is no active threat to the community.
The incident occurred on Saturday night around 9:45 p.m., when the Fairview Heights Police Department stated that officers were dispatched to investigate a “suspicious individual seen prowling near a residence.” Upon making contact with the person matching the description, officers determined it might be a domestic issue.
During the encounter, the confronted individual opened fire, striking multiple Fairview Heights officers.
“If it is your way, we ask for prayers for these Officers. They went on a call for service to help people and keep people safe. They ended up being shot and fighting for their lives for doing their job,” said Chief Steve Johnson in a press release.
The investigation is considered active and ongoing.
