Vermilion County State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy says two Danville Police officers were justified in using deadly force in the shooting death of a Danville man. And Lacy says no charges will be filed in connection with the June 12th death of 34-year-old Danathe Gulliford.
According to Lacy Danville Police Officers Jason Dunavan and Brandon Phillips made a traffic stop of Gulliford’s vehicle after being dispatched to a domestic disturbance in which police were told Gulliford was armed.
State’s Attorney Lacy says the evidence in the case shows that the officers drew their weapons upon making the traffic stop, and repeatedly asked Gulliford to show his hands. Two other officers arrived on the scene and witnessed Dunavan and Phillips repeatedly telling Gulliford to show his hands, but Gulliford would only show his left hand and placed his right hand behind his body out of sight.
Illinois State Police who investigated the shooting found that Officers Dunavan and Phillips fired their weapons simultaneously at Gulliford, with five shots hitting the suspect. Despite being shot, Gulliford fled on foot but was found nearby in the 600 block of Harmon Street. He was taken to OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center where he died.
State Police Investigators say a fully loaded EIG Cutlery .22 calibre revolver was located in the right front pocket of Gulliford. It contained six live cartridges and the hammer on the gun was cocked.
State’s Attorney Lacy added that under Illinois law, Dunavan and Phillips were justified in the use of deadly force based on a reasonable belief that it was necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm to themselves or other officers at the scene. Therefore, Lacy says she considers the case closed.
