Independent task force investigating wounding of suicidal man by Elgin police officer

The Illinois State Police Public Integrity Task Force is investigating an Elgin police officer’s shooting and wounding of a reportedly suicidal man armed with a knife early Saturday morning.

The 29-year-old man reportedly received aid at the scene and was transported to a local hospital where he was listed in stable condition later in the day.

According to Elgin police, the officer was dispatched to a residence on the 900 block of Oak Ridge Boulevard at 1:28 a.m. Saturday to assist a caller with the reportedly suicidal man.

Police said that when the officer entered the residence, he saw the man with obvious wounds to his neck and torso. When the officer tried to assist, the man reportedly began struggling with the officer. The man then obtained a knife and began stabbing himself before turning his attention to the officer while still armed with the knife.

As the man approached the officer, the officer fired his gun and wounded the man, who was then secured before aid was administered, police reported.

As per Elgin Police Department policy, the officer was himself transported to a local hospital for observation and testing, and has been placed on paid administrative leave.

The department said its release of preliminary information about the case was to balance expectations of transparency with not jeopardizing the integrity of the independent investigation.

“We will be sharing information as soon as possible, including the release of body camera video, after the Public Integrity Task Force’s investigation and other critical investigative procedures have been completed,” Elgin Police Chief Ana Lalley said in a statement.