Police Release Bodycam Video Of Fatal Shooting In Des Plaines

DES PLAINES, IL — A little over three weeks after a 55-year-old Des Plaines man was fatally shot by police following a confrontation, officials have released bodycam video and more details of what happened. Scott J. MacDonald, who may have been having a "psychotic breakdown" and was armed with an ax, died May 24 during an officer-involved shooting at his home.

Police also released the original 911 call and some other documents related to the case.

According to police, at 7:37 p.m. May 24, officers were dispatched to the 1400 block of Thacker Street for a report of a male breaking things, possibly having a psychotic breakdown, and potentially had access to an ax or machete. As shown in the bodycam videos, four officers proceeded down a hallway toward a condominium owned by MacDonald, when he "unexpectedly exited his unit armed with an axe and began approaching officers with the ax raised."

The bodycam footage shows officers giving MacDonald verbal commands to drop the ax. The officer who shot MacDonald had just stepped into the stairwell and was in proximity, according to the news release. Police said the officer discharged his duty weapon to "stop MacDonald’s advance."

RELATED: Bodycam Shows Man Fatally Shot By Cops Reach For Ax

Following the shooting, the scene was secured and police began life-saving treatment with MacDonald, who was later pronounced dead at 9:39 p.m. at an area hospital, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner.

According to Des Plaines Police Department policy and state statute, it is required that officer-involved shootings be investigated by an independent agency. The Des Plaines Police Department requested that the Major Crimes Assistance Team conduct the investigation in partnership with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Police said MCAT will complete their investigation and submit their findings to the Cook County State's Attorney’s Office for review.

"The City of Des Plaines understands the importance of making the officer-worn body camera footage of the encounter between the responding officers and Mr. MacDonald available to the public and is committed to transparency and providing the community with requested information," the Des Plaines Police Department said in the news release. "MCAT’s investigation has now progressed to the point that the Des Plaines Police Department is able to release the body camera footage to the public.

Police said officer Edwin Rios, who discharged his weapon, has been with the Des Plaines Police Department since February 2021. Per department policy, Rios is on paid administrative leave.

Click here for body camera footage, the original 9-1-1 audio, and related documents.