Danville Police say what began as a reported retail theft at the local Kohl’s store Monday afternoon ended with the suspect shooting himself about a block away. The call resulted with a large number of law enforcement officers responding to the scene.
Public Safety Director Larry Thomason says officers responded to Kohl’s in the 3700 block of North Vermilion Street shortly after 3:00 p.m. They located the suspect’s vehicle nearby. ‘’As officers approached the stationary vehicle the male driver drove off and police pursued,’’ said Thomason. ‘’The suspect vehicle eventually got onto Vermilion Street and went north where the vehicle struck a utility pole in front of Worksource, 3715 North Vermilion.’’
‘’The subject fled the vehicle and ran to the north side of the business. In an open field a weapon was displayed by the subject,’’ added Thomason. ‘’Before officers could approach the individual he fired one shot into his person. The weapon was not pointed at officers,’’ added the Public Safety Director.
The 32-year-old man was transported to a Champaign area hospital in critical condition. His status at this time is unknown.
According to Thomason there were no shots fired by Danville Police. Illinois State Police have been contacted to assist in the investigation. No other details are being released at this time.
