(Photo: St. John’s Lutheran Church in Effingham)
The Illinois State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Sunday morning at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Effingham.
According to ISP, church security contacted the Effingham Police Department at approximately 9:27 a.m. after reporting a suspicious vehicle and a suspicious man inside the church asking to speak with the pastor. No church service was taking place at the time.
Officers with the Effingham Police Department and Effingham County Sheriff’s Office located the man a short time later. Authorities determined the vehicle he had arrived in had been reported stolen from Marion County.
Police said officers attempted to restrain the man, who allegedly produced a firearm during the struggle. The weapon discharged, and the man was struck by gunfire.
The suspect was taken to a local hospital before being airlifted to a regional medical center with life-threatening injuries.
No officers or members of the public were injured.
Illinois State Police said the incident appears to be isolated, and there is no known threat to the community. The investigation remains active, and no additional information has been released.