JERSEYVILLE, Ill. — Illinois State Police is investigating a hostage situation that ended in an officer-involved shooting in Jerseyville on Saturday.
At around 3:30 p.m., a man entered a home in the 18000 block of US Route 67 through an unlocked door with a shotgun. The stranger held a person inside the residence hostage for several hours, according to ISP.
The man who rents the house was able to escape and call police for help.
“The guy went out to maybe get a car started or something like that, and that’s when Brett my son’s roommate made a break," said homeowner Chris Sackmann. "He headed this direction and called from a cell phone, and the police got involved."
The Jersey County Sherriff’s Department responded, and when deputies arrived on scene, they said someone fired shots at them from inside the home. The deputies returned fire.
“They had I don’t know how many police cars out here but there were several," said Sackmann. "We came up here to talk to them and they said get out of here you may catch a stray bullet.”
Shortly after officers entered the home, they found the suspect dead.
On Monday, police identified the suspect as 37-year-old James Izard of Alton. Officials said it is unclear if Izard was struck by gunfire from officers.
"This is Jerseyville, and Jersey County, this doesn't happen in Jersey County," said Sackmann. "I guess things have changed."
The investigation is ongoing. This story will be updated as 5 On Your Side confirms more details.
Resources for crime victims:
If you have been a victim of a crime or know someone who has been, 5 On Your Side has compiled a list of resources.
Better Family Life is a nonprofit community development organization working to “stabilize inner-city neighborhoods.” One aspect of its mission is a gun violence de-escalation program.
To learn more, call 314-381-8200 or visit https://www.betterfamilylife.org/
Life Outside of Violence “helps those harmed by stabbing, gunshot or assault receive the treatment, support and resources they need to find alternatives to end the cycle of violence.”
To learn more, call 314-327-6697 or email: ProjectLOV@WUSTL.edu
The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis has an anti-crime program called “Safety Net for Youth Initiative,” which is a joint partnership between and Saint Louis Public Schools to provide services to at-risk youth.
To learn more, visit https://www.ulstl.com/anti-crime-initiative.html
Cure Violence is an international organization that has recently launched in a handful of St. Louis neighborhoods. Violence interrupters are trained to deescalate violent situations within their own communities. To learn more, visit https://cvg.org/