Macon man sentenced after stealing squad car, pointing gun at police

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - A man shot and arrested by police after stealing a squad car and pointing a shotgun at officers has been sentenced to 8 years behind bars.

In September, Oscar McCurry, 39, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon and aggravated battery.

During Tuesday's hearing, McCurry's attorney, Susan Moorehead, detailed to the court McCurry's mental health issues, specifically his schizophrenia diagnosis.

McCurry explained that on the day of the incident, he wasn't on his medication and had heard voices telling him his kids were kidnapped and he had to kill himself.

"I didn't want to hurt anyone," he said on the witness stand.

McCurry was arrested in early May and charged with three felonies after wielding a machete in the P&V Quick Stop parking lot in Macon. Police said McCurry ran from officers once they arrived and eventually stole a Macon County Sheriff's Office squad car and drove around until he crashed into another squad car.

Body camera video shows McCurry leaving the squad car with a shotgun and aiming it at officers, who then fired at him.

Despite a history of mental health issues, prosecuting attorney Scott Rueter explained to the court that McCurry, originally from California, had a criminal record in that state, along with a domestic charge in Macon County.

Attorney Moorehouse argued McCurry suffered from mental health issues and recommended the judge sentence McCurry to 3 years in prison.

"Mental health led to the event," she said.

Presiding Judge for Macon County, Honorable Thomas E. Griffith, sentenced McCurry to 8 years for unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon and 5 years for aggravated battery, which will be served concurrently.

"I don't know how anyone didn't get killed," Judge Griffith told McCurry as he handed down the sentence.

The sentence was based on the recommendations from Rueter. It is also a day-for-day eligible sentence.

Judge Griffith weighed McCurry's mental health diagnosis during his sentencing. However, he felt he was a threat to the community because the 39-year-old wasn't taking his medication.

"It makes him more dangerous," he said.

On May 30, the Macon County State's Attorney's Office announced that the officers involved in the shooting would not be charged.

Other charges, including aggravated battery of a police officer and possession of a stolen firearm, were dropped.

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