JEFFERSON COUNTY (WSIL) -- Two construction workers in Jefferson County were shot Wednesday night.Â
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office says around 9:30 p.m. they responded to a shooting on Dix-Irvington Road, near I-57.
Law enforcement say two contractors working for IDOT were shot and taken to a local hospital for treatment. They were later transferred to a St. Louis hospital.Â
The flagger was struck in the back of the head and when the second worker came to help the flagger, they were struck in the chest.
Two juveniles were detained for questioning and a search warrant was completed at a home in Dix. A high powered air rifle was seized.
The two juveniles were questioned and arrested, before being processed and released to their guardians due to their age.
The Sheriff's Office has sent its investigation to the State's Attorney's office. Charges are possible in the near future.Â
IDOT has released a statement on the shooting of two contracted workers.Â
“We are fully cooperating with law enforcement and providing any assistance we can to see that the perpetrators of this crime are given the appropriate punishment. This troubling incident serves as an important reminder that the men and women of the Illinois Department of Transportation and our partners put their lives on the line every day to ensure the public's safety and well-being. While this kind of dangerous and senseless act not only puts workers at risk, it can also result in grave consequences for anyone else traveling in the area.�
