EIU student identified as man who police say disarmed officer, turned gun on himself

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — The Champaign County Coroner has identified a man who police said disarmed an officer during a wellness check and turned the gun on himself.

Charleston police said 22-year-old Yahacov Dennis called 911 for immediate assistance early Saturday. When officers arrived, CPD said "a rapidly evolving event took place where a CPD officer was disarmed."

Dennis took the gun and then shot toward himself, according to the department.

Police said he was given medical help and then taken to a hospital where he died hours later.

Eastern Illinois University President Jay Gatrell sent a schoolwide email Sunday informing students of Dennis' death. The email also listed assistance for the campus.

"...we understand classmates, friends, and colleagues of Mr. Dennis may be personally impacted by this tragic news and in need of immediate support," read Gatrell's email. He listed EIU's Counseling Clinic, the Dean of Students Office, and EIU's Togetherall has options for those who need help.

EIU is also making counselors available on Monday in the Grand Ballroom.

Charleston police have not provided much detail about what officers encountered with Dennis or how he was able to get an officer's gun. WAND News has requested any police body camera footage of the incident.

It's not how clear how many officers responded to the well-being check. No officers were injured, according to the department.

Illinois State Police is assisting with the investigation.

This is a developing story.