Crime & Safety
Illinois Police Officer Killed Trying To Stop Fleeing Driver
During the investigation into Officer Brian Pierce Jr.'s death, a driver hit several police cars after running through a roadblock.
BROOKLYN, IL — A Brooklyn Police Department officer was killed by a driver during a chase Wednesday morning, Illinois State Police say.
Around 3 a.m. Wednesday, Officer Brian Pierce Jr. was assisting in a motor vehicle pursuit that started in Brooklyn. The driver of a red Dodge Charger hit Pierce after he put down spike strips on McKinley Bridge.
The Charger was later found abandoned in St. Louis, according to Illinois State Police.
Find out what's happening in Chicagofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Several other officers were nearly injured while investigating Pierce's death, around 3:50 a.m.
Illinois State Police say a gray Kia Optima drove through the roadblock and hit multiple police vehicles. Officers from the Madison County Sheriff's Department and Brooklyn Police Department fired shots into the car and struck the driver. The car crashed into two Illinois State Police vehicles and came to a stop.
Find out what's happening in Chicagofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Four occupants in the Kia were arrested. The driver was taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
