Ill. Police Officer Killed, Another in Critical Condition in Hotel Shooting
An Illinois police officer is dead and another is in critical condition after they were shot while responding to a noise complaint at a hotel late Wednesday.
The incident involving the Bradley Police Department happened shortly after 9:40 p.m., according to a social media post by Chief Donald W. Barber. Officers were dispatched to a Comfort Inn on State Route 15 concerning a report of dogs barking in an unattended vehicle in the parking lot.
When they reached the hotel, the officers found the room connected with the vehicle and began talking with the people inside. During the conversation, the individuals attacked and shot the officers.
Both officers were taken to the hospital, where one of the officers was pronounced dead. The other officer underwent surgery and is in critical condition after being transferred to a hospital in the Chicago area.
The Kankakee County coroner identified the slain officer as Sgt. Marlene Rittmanic, 49, of Kankakee.
“This is a very sad and tragic day for the Bradley village family. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family members of all involved,” Bradley Mayor Mike Watson told the Kankakee Daily Journal.
Police consider the shooting an isolated incident, and there is no threat to the public. The identities of both officers is being withheld while the department contacts family.
A SWAT unit was deployed to the hotel following, and a room-by-room search was conducted. An arrest warrant has been issued for Darius D. Sullivan, 25, and another person of interest is being sought in connection with the shooting, according to the Kankakee County Sheriff's Department.
Sullivan, 25, is considered armed and dangerous, and he should not be approached. Anyone with information Sullivan's location or the shooting should call the Illinois State Police Hotline at 815-698-2315 or CrimeStoppers at 815-93-CRIME.
The incident is the second fatal shooting in the state this week. Wayne County Sheriff's Deputy Sean Riley was shot and killed while responding to a motorist in need of assistance along Interstate 64 near Mills Shoals on Wednesday.
Ray Tate, a 40-year-old suspect, was taken into custody stemming from the shooting following a hostage standoff in Carlyle. Along with the fatal shooting, he also was accused of carjacking and shooting an individual at a Missouri convenience store Wednesday.
Tate, who also was wanted for a carjacking in Knox County, Indiana, earlier this month, is currently is in Clinton County Jail and faces charges in multiple jurisdictions.
