Springfield mayor asks community to pray for man who was shot by SPD after firing at officers

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The scene following the shooting of a 19-year-old man by Springfield Police after he shot at officers was "chaotic" according to Chief Ken Scarlette.

On Thursday, the city of Springfield held a news conference to address the shooting as well as the immediate aftermath.

According to the Springfield Police Department, around 11:30 p.m. a man fired in the direction of officers who were trying to arrest him for a shooting that took place earlier that Wednesday. A release from SPD Spokesperson Sara Pickford said that one officer returned fire and shot the suspect.

The department has chosen not to name the 19-year-old.

During the news conference, Scarlette said that medical care was given to the man within 26 seconds of the shooting. He was then taken to a hospital for treatment.

"No officer ever suits up to come to work with a mindset that they may be shot at, or that they may have to use deadly force," said Scarlette.

Following the shooting, the chief described a chaotic scene in which citizens made "vulgar remarks" toward officers and "lobbed bottles" at them. A squad car had a window smashed by a thrown brick. Scarlette said that he was proud of his department for keeping cool and protecting the shooting scene while Illinois State Police conducted an investigation.

No one was arrested during the disruption.

Both Scarlette and Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher said they met with the family of the man on Thursday as well as "key stakeholders" in the community including the NAACP, Faith Coalition for the Common Good, and Black Lives Matter Springfield.

During the conference, Buscher asked that everyone "pray for the man" and thanked the Springfield Fire Department for providing aid at the scene.

Body worn camera footage will be released by the city once ISP has concluded its investigation.

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