Two Macomb Police Department officers in stable but critical condition after being shot

MACOMB, Ill. — Two officers with the Macomb Police Department were shot Wednesday night during the process of serving a warrant in the 300 block of North Normal, and a suspect remains barricaded inside the residence.

Macomb Police Chief Jeff Hamer said during a press briefing on Thursday morning that the Illinois State Police SWAT team and crisis negotiation team are on the scene.

A press release from the Macomb Police Department indicated both officers are being treated and are in stable but critical condition. Law enforcement remains on the scene.

“Please avoid the area,” the release said. “There is no active threat to the community at this time.”

The names of the officers who were shot have not yet been made public.

During a press briefing Wednesday night, Hamer said officers attempted to execute a search warrant at the North Normal residence at 6:44 p.m. 

“After knocking and announcing their presence several times, (the officers) forced entry into the residence, where they were immediately fired upon by someone inside the residence,” Hamer said.

Hamer said Wednesday the officers were first taken to McDonough District Hospital, then transported to a trauma center in Peoria.

“I’ve spoken with the officers, and they were in critical but probably now in more stable condition,” Hamer said. “They’re with family right now making a recovery.

“I can’t comment further on any of their medical conditions … but the officers are in good spirits. The officers are doing well considering. Our hearts and prayers are with those officers and their families at this time.”

Hamer updated the conditions of the officers on Thursday morning, saying they were discharged and are recuperating at home.

Hamer said the situation is isolated to the 300 block of North Normal, and several area resources are on the scene.

“We’re going to deal with that situation as effectively and as safely as we can,” he said.

Macomb Mayor Mike Inman said there is no other “ongoing threat.”

Neither Inman nor Hamer took questions during Wednesday’s and Thursday’s media briefings.

Both the Western Illinois University campuses in Macomb and the Quad Cities are closed Thursday, Sept. 5, because of the threat near the Macomb campus.

University residence halls will remain open, and the dining centers will move to brunch schedules and open from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. All morning athletics practices and team activities are postponed, as well as any other WIU campus events.

When the university is closed, employees are dismissed from and paid for their regular working shifts. Employees working in essential positions may be required to work their regular hours during a total shutdown.

A daycare near the site of the shooting also is closed Thursday.