Suspect arrested in Macomb day after 2 officers shot while serving warrant

MACOMB, Ill. (WAND) - Two Macomb police officers were shot while serving a warrant Wednesday evening, according to the city's police chief. The investigation has prompted Western Illinois University to close campus for Thursday.

One suspect has been taken into custody as of 3 p.m. Thursday, according to the Macomb Police Department.

Chief Jeff Hamer said officers were serving a search warrant Wednesday when they were shot. Hamer said the officers knocked and announced their presence at a home and then forced entry. Hamer said the officers were met with gunfire from inside the home.

The two officers were taken to a hospital. Hamer said their conditions were critical, "but stable." The chief said he has spoken with the officers several times and they were "in good spirits."

Macomb is about 70 miles west of Peoria. The incident prompted an emergency alert from Western Illinois University. The shooting happened about a block from campus near the Alumni Association building. Thursday morning, the university announced that campus would be closed "due to the ongoing policy emergency near the Macomb campus."

As of 11 p.m. Wednesday, police said there was no longer a threat to the community. A WIU statement about the campus closure said "the threat is contained and the perimeter will be blocked off." Campus officials and police have asked people to avoid the 300 block of North Normal Street.

The City of Macomb posted on Facebook Thursday morning a number of street closures due to "the ongoing law enforcement presence."

WIU said residence halls will remain open but dining centers were move to a brunch schedule and open from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Morning athletics practices, team activities, and several other campus events were also postponed.

Police haven't released information about why they were serving a warrant, nor have they provided details about the person accused of shooting the officers.