Coroner Calvin Dye Sr. reported that a 69-year-old man shot by a St. Clair County Sheriff’s officer passed away at Memorial Hospital at 10:58 p.m. from his wounds. Nine-year veteran of the sheriff’s office, the constable has been put on administrative leave while the Illinois State Police look into the incident.
Commenting on the situation, Sheriff Rick Watson said, “I believe our officers acted appropriately, and I look forward to the conclusion of the investigation.”
Coroner Dye named the dead Charles Sanders of Schmidt Lane. In response to a reported domestic incident at about 7:46 p.m., officers were sent to the 5000 block of Schmidt Lane, in an unincorporated rural region south of Belleville and east of Millstadt, according a statement issued by the sheriff’s department.
Lieutenant James Hendricks of the sheriff’s office clarified, “Based on the 911 call, the female victim was battling for her life before our arrival. The acts of the suspect kept the chaotic and explosive situation under constant escalation.
According to the announcement, Sanders confronted the several uniformed police while remaining armed and fired a gun many times. This caused the constable to fire his service firearm, therefore producing a deadly gunshot.
Over the rising frequency of domestic violence and mental health problems resulting in risky emergency calls, Hendricks voiced regret. Emphasising the horror of any death, he said, “Although our officers acted appropriately, we recognise that this individual has a family who will endure emotional trauma for an extended period.”
