Decatur man accused of pointing crossbow at police pleads not guilty

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — A Decatur man who was accused of pointing a crossbow at police has pleaded not guilty.

Illinois State Police released body camera footage of Michael Boliard. He was shot by police after being accused of pointing a crossbow at officers in Downtown Decatur last month.

The Decatur Police Department said Boliard, 54, was near East William Street with a crossbow on April 22.

Decatur police shot Boliard multiple times after he pointed the weapon at officers. He was then taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

ISP arrested Boliard after he was released from the hospital May 5.

He was denied pretrial release during his first court appearance.

On June 3, he entered a plea of not guilty to the charges brought against him.

The Macon County State's Attorney said in a statement that the three officers involved were "justified in the use of lethal force."

Additionally, the State's Attorney stated that none of the officers will face criminal charges.

Decatur Police Chief Brad Allen said the officers were in immediate danger and used an appropriate amount of force.

"Despite the danger they faced, they acted with professionalism, restraint and an unwavering commitment to protecting others. Their actions that day were heroic," Allen said.

"These officers ran towards danger to protect this community and the innocent people who could have been harmed if the situation unfolded differently; they demonstrated the very meaning of public service and the oath they took to serve and protect," Allen continued.

The full body camera footage is available on ISP's website.