FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Springfield, IL…Late Tuesday night, a simple traffic stop conducted on Toronto Road quickly turned into a tragic event after an Illinois State Trooper was shot in his leg. State Representative Mike Coffey (R-Springfield) is calling for support of our law enforcement as they continue to risk their lives to keep our communities safe.
“It’s very sad to see a man believed to be wanted on murder charges in Chicago, make his way to Springfield and shoots an Illinois State Trooper,” Rep. Coffey stated. “This trooper is in serious condition at a Springfield hospital because he was simply doing his job by protecting the community.”
Around 11:00 pm, the suspect fired several shots hitting the trooper in the leg before fleeing the scene on foot. Responding officers eventually located the suspect shortly before 2:00 am and took him into custody without incident.
“The professional training by responding officers, helped save this trooper’s life,” Coffey continued to say. “It’s time we stand up to criminals and back the badge as senseless crimes continue to cause havoc throughout our communities.”
Prior to this shooting, the suspect was accused of killing a special education teacher in Chicago Sunday night outside her own home on the city’s southwest side. Ongoing investigations continue as we pray for a full recovery of the Illinois State Trooper.
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