RANDOLPH COUNTY (WSIL) -- Officials gave more details Monday on a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred over the weekend in Red Bud.
During a press conference, Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker stated the incident started at 12:19 a.m. when Deputy Jonathon Barbour attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a motorcycle with no taillights. The motorcycle did not stop and after reaching speeds of 90 mph, Deputy Barbour ended his pursuit.
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Between 12:20 a.m. and 1:19 a.m. Dispatch recorded several reports from officers in Chester, Red Bud and Randolph County deputies the motorcycle continued to speed, going speeds up to 103 miles per hour.
At 1:26 a.m. Red Bud Officer Michael Collins radioed to dispatch he needed an ambulance because he had been shot in the leg.
State's Attorney Walker says preliminary investigation shows, during the 7 minute window between 1:19 a.m. and 1:26 a.m. Officers Luke Horrell and Michael Collins began following the motorcycle.
The motorcycle turned around and became stuck in the mud off of the shoulder of Route 3, near the intersection of Clarence Drive and Powell Road. The suspect attempted to dislodge the motorcycle from the mud.
While he was doing this, Officer Collins confronted the suspect and he immediately began to resist and fight the officer.
Officer Horrell deployed his taster to gain control of the situation, but neither officer were able to subdue the suspect.
During the struggle, the suspect removed a 9mm handgun from his waist area and shot Officer Collins in the right calf. Officer Collins then radioed for the ambulance.
Officer Horrell then told the suspect multiple times to drop the weapon, he refused and Officer Horrell discharged his weapon, killing the suspect, identified as Timothy J. Snyder, 27, of St. Charles, Missouri.
Officer Collins was transported to Mercy South in St. Louis, treated for his injury and was released. He is at home and recovering.
Officer Horrell was cooperative with the investigation and has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation into this matter.
Three witnesses, local residents and property owners, were interviewed and provided statements which the State's Attorney says appear to substantiate the reports of Officer Horrell and Officer Collins.
During a search of Snyder's backpack, a large amount of methamphetamine, a scale and baggies were located, along with various power tools. The motorcycle was discovered as stolen from St. Louis.
This is still considered an ongoing investigation. If you witnessed this incident in Red Bud, at the time of the shooting, please contact the Illinois State Police at 618-542-2171 ext. 1207.
Senator Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) issued a statement on the shooting saying:
“Given recent available information, I’m saddened to learn of yet another instance in which the lives of police officers were threatened in the line of duty. Especially in the wake of the heartbreaking killing of a Champaign officer just a week ago, we are all too aware of the potential for tragedy that can happen when an officer puts on their uniform. Our men and women in blue risk so much to keep our communities safe, and it’s instances such as this officer-involved shooting that underscore the service and sacrifice of law enforcement.�
Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro)
