SPRINFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A man is now formally charged with attempted murder after he allegedly shot an Illinois State Police trooper during a traffic stop in Springfield.
Cristobal Santana, 37, of Chicago is facing six counts, including two counts of attempted murder and multiple battery charges.
Springfield police and other departments responded to the 1600 block of Toronto Road at 10:44 p.m. Tuesday to reports of an officer shot.
The Illinois State Police confirmed it was an ISP Trooper who interacted with Santana. It was also discovered Santana was wanted in connection with a homicide occurring recently in Chicago.
Santana is suspected of shooting and killing his ex-girlfriend, a special education teacher on October 22.
During the traffic stop on Tuesday, gunshots were fired, and the trooper was struck in the leg, ISP said.
Related Links
- ISP Trooper shot during traffic stop in Springfield in 'serious condition'
- State legislator shares personal connection to wounded ISP Trooper in an emotional speech on the House Floor
- Former Springfield chief praises inter-agency communication in getting assistance to ISP trooper who was shot
The trooper, identified by State Representative Bradley Fritts (R) as Dakotah "Kody" Chapman-Green, is in the hospital listed in serious condition.
Santana fled his vehicle on foot but was taken into custody at 1:58 a.m. Wednesday.
Governor JB Pritzker released a short statement saying, "Awful news from this morning. MK and I are praying for the trooper who was injured in the line of duty last night."
Awful news from this morning. MK and I are praying for the trooper who was injured in the line of duty last night. https://t.co/jXQ9UU4TU5
— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) October 25, 2023
ISP is investigating the shooting. No additional information is being released at this time.
The public is reminded that all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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