Officers 'In Good Spirits' After Being Shot Near Western Illinois University: Chief

MACOMB, IL — Two officers who were shot Wednesday evening near Western Illinois University have been released from the hospital, Macomb Police Chief Jeff Hamer said Thursday morning.

A suspect remained barricaded inside a home about a half-mile from the WIU main campus, and the university announced Thursday that its Macomb and Quad Cities campuses would remain closed for the day.

According to Hamer, the officers were serving a warrant at the home in the 300 block of North Normal Street at 6:44 p.m. Wednesday when they were shot. After the officers knocked and announced their presence several times, they forced entry, and a suspect inside the home immediately opened fire, Hamer said.

Rescue efforts began, and both wounded officers were rescued and taken to an area hospital before being transferred to a different medical facility, according to Hamer.

Hamer said a second person who was outside the home on North Normal Street was detained, identified and released as the suspected shooter remained barricaded in the home.

On Wednesday night, Hamer said he'd spoken with both officers more than once and that they were with their families and making a recovery. Though they were initially in critical condition, they were in stable condition by late Wednesday, he said. By Thursday morning, he said they had both been discharged.

Hamer said the officers were "in good spirits" and "doing well, considering."

Also Wednesday night, Macomb Mayor Mike Inman stressed that the shooting was an isolated incident and there was no ongoing threat, even as the suspect remained barricaded in the home.

According to 25NewsNow, an emergency alert was issued on the Western Illinois campus Wednesday night, warning students, "Seek shelter immediately and do not go near the area."

On Thursday morning, the City of Macomb notified residents of the "ongoing law enforcement presence" on Normal Street, posting a map on Facebook showing which streets were closed and which had reopened.

Western Illinois University told students that although the campuses are closed, "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 sports practices and team activities are postponed, along with any other WIU campus event.

"The threat is contained and the perimeter will be blocked off, but caution is needed and everyone should avoid the 300 block of North Normal Street and the surrounding area," the university told students.

"When the University is closed, employees will be dismissed from and paid for their regular working shift. Employees working in essential positions may be required to work their regular hours during a total shutdown. The determination of essential versus nonessential employees will be made by the supervisor based on the nature of the advisory situation."

Hamer said pursuant to policy, tactical operations and the ongoing investigation at North Normal Street have been turned over to Illinois State Police. ISP SWAT and crisis negotiators remain at the scene, along with local and regional law enforcement.

According to Hamer, authorities expect to issue another update on the situation around 3 p.m. Wednesday.