Following a police-involved shooting Sunday morning at St. John’s Luther Church in Effingham, a man remains in critical condition after suffering life-threatening injuries. It all began when church security flagged him as “suspicious…” The ensuing scuffle with law enforcement turned potentially deadly but still leaves a lot of questions unanswered.
According to Illinois State Police, shortly before 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 5th, security at St. John’s Lutheran Church on West Jefferson Avenue contacted Effingham Police to report a suspicious vehicle AND a suspicious man, who at that time was inside the church asking to speak with the pastor.
It should be noted that church services were not taking place at the time.
Officers from the Effingham Police Department and the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene. Upon arrival, they learned the vehicle the man had arrived in was reportedly stolen out of Marion County. When officers from both agencies attempted to restrain the man, a struggle broke out. During that struggle, the man flashed a firearm, which was discharged at least once, leaving the man struck by the gunshot. By all indications, the suspect’s personal firearm was the only gun fired.
He was initially taken to a local Effingham hospital before being flown to a regional hospital with life-threatening injuries. No one else was hurt in this incident.
The Illinois State Police are leading the investigation at this time. Effingham law enforcement say there is no known threat to the community and the incident appears to be isolated. No further information is available at this time including the man’s identity or his means for being at the church. We will continue to monitor the situation!
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