Natalia Chi
Some Romeoville residents were asked to shelter in place for hours after an officer investigating a stolen vehicle overnight was shot by a suspect, police said.
As of 4 a.m. Thursday, the scene in the southwest suburb remained active, with a large police presence at the intersection of Sierra Trail and Summerfield Drive as officers canvassing the neighborhood.
At approximately 6 a.m., the Illinois State Police confirmed that a suspect had been apprehended. No further details were provided.
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According to police, the incident occurred at 12:13 a.m. near the intersection of Sierra Trail and Summerfield Drive. During a press conference early Thursday, Romeoville Police Chief Ken Croll said officers at that time had located a stolen vehicle that was unoccupied at the time. As officers approached the vehicle, a suspect approached officers on foot, Croll said.
“A foot pursuit ensued after that, and ultimately an exchange of gunfire,” Croll said. “One of our Romeoville police officers was hit.”
As the suspect fled the scene, police say an officer was struck by gunfire in the right shoulder and was transported to a nearby hospital. Croll did not disclose the officer’s condition but told reporters during Thursday’s press conference that the department feels “very positive.”
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Officials earlier Thursday said a search perimeter had been set up in the area as part of the active investigation.
“We’re asking everybody to stay indoors,” Croll said. “Let us do our job. If you have any things, such as Ring doorbell video that will be of benefit to us, please call us. Give us that information. But at this point in time, we’re asking for the public to use caution, stay indoors at this time and let us do our job and find this person.”
Croll added that the Will County SWAT team and Major Crimes Task Force from neighboring agencies are assisting in the investigation.
“Stuff like this doesn’t happen too often,” Croll said, adding that the department was concerned about their fellow colleague. “We’re going to take care of our own and we’re going to make an arrest.”
This is a developing story that will be updated as more information becomes available.
