Illinois State Police are investigating the Sunday night shooting of a Newton County Indiana Sheriff’s Deputy in Iroquois County. The Iroquois County Sheriff’s Department requested State Police to assist in the investigation.
Preliminary information released late Monday, September 2, 2024, by Illinois State Police said officers from the Iroquois County Sheriff’s Department were engaged in a pursuit of an armed suspect with a hostage. The pursuit went into Indiana, at which time the Newton County Sheriff’s Department became involved in the chase. The vehicle being pursued returned to Illinois and the suspect crashed in Sheldon. State Police say the suspect exited his vehicle and exchanged gunfire with officers. During the gunfire, the suspect and a deputy from the Newton County Sheriff’s Department were struck.
The suspect, 37-year-old Andrew Roselius of Clifton, Illinois, was pronounced dead on the scene. The Newton County Deputy, Corporal Brandon Schreiber, was transported to a regional hospital where he remained in critical condition late Monday (September 2, 2024). No hostage was found in the suspect’s vehicle. Corporal Schreiber is a five-year veteran of the department. He was initially taken to Iroquois Memorial Hospital and was then flown to Carle Hospital in Urbana. A prayer vigil for the deputy was taking place east of the Newton County Indiana Courthouse Monday evening (starting at 7:00 p.m.).
Illinois State Police will lead the investigation into the use of force portion of this incident. Once State Police conclude that portion of the investigation they will submit a report to the Iroquois County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Newton County Indiana Sheriff Shannon Cothran issued the following statement late Monday:
“We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support and prayers from our law enforcement families, both from Indiana and Illinois, as well as our community. Your kindness is deeply appreciated and means more than words can express.”
