Crime & Safety

Inmate Shot By Deputy At Jefferson County Courthouse: Police

Officials said the man was shot by an officer Tuesday after he attempted to escape. Illinois State Police are investigating the incident.

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State police said the man was in the custody of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department.
State police said the man was in the custody of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department. (Jonah Meadows/Patch)

MT. VERNON, IL — A man in custody at the Jefferson County Courthouse was shot Tuesday afternoon when police said he attempted to escape.

Illinois State Police were investigating the shooting Tuesday evening. According to preliminary reports, a Jefferson County deputy shot the inmate at around 1 p.m. while inside the courthouse.

The man was taken to a local hospital before being airlifted to a hospital in St. Louis, police said in a statement.

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Officials had not released the name of the man who was shot as of Tuesday evening. Illinois State Police told Patch the investigation is ongoing.

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