Police: Suspect fired near officers before being shot by Springfield police

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Police in Springfield said they shot a person who fired at them first.

According to Springfield Police Department Spokesperson Sara Pickford, officers were initially called to the 1600 block of S. 16th Street at 5:41 p.m. Wednesday evening for shots fired. Pickford said officers were told by witnesses a person fired shots from a vehicle hitting a nearby home. After collecting shell casings, officers were able to identify the vehicle the shots came from and the person who fired the shots.

Pickford said the suspect was also wanted in a recent robbery.

Around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday night, Pickford said officers located the vehicle possibly involved and approached several people who were inside in the 1100 block of S. 18th Street. Pickford said the front seat passenger was identified as the suspect from the shots fired call.

They attempted to take the person into custody, but the suspect fired, "one round from a handgun in the immediate proximity of officers." Pickford said a Springfield police officer then returned fire and hit the suspect.

The suspect was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. His name has not been released.

Pickford said police have recovered a gun and one shell casing near the scene of the shooting.

Illinois State Police are now investigating the shooting, per department policy and state law. Pickford said the officers on scene have been placed on administrative leave, but they have not been identified.

Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher said in a statement, "As Mayor of Springfield, I want to assure our community that we are committed to full transparency regarding the officer-involved shooting incident that took place on September 4th. The Springfield Police Department is actively engaging with local stakeholders and advocacy groups to provide the complete body camera footage of the incident. We are cooperating with the Illinois State Police to ensure a thorough, independent investigation, as required by our policies and state law. We are dedicated to maintaining trust and creating open communications with our residents. I ask for your continued patience and support as we work through the investigation."

The City of Springfield held a news conference about the shooting incident at 3 p.m. Thursday.