advertisement

Video: Officer shoots Illinois inmate after struggle for gun

MT. VERNON, Ill. (AP) - Illinois State Police have released video footage showing a tense scene involving an inmate's attack on a correctional officer at a courthouse and another officer firing his weapon at the inmate and injuring him.

Authorities said 55-year-old Fredrick Goss was at the Jefferson County Courthouse earlier this month for a trial. He was uncuffed while being transported in a wheelchair to trial where he was to be unrestrained.

Footage of the incident, released Friday on an Illinois State Police Facebook page, appeared to show Goss grabbing an officer's gun and struggling with him before a deputy stepped in and shot Goss, who was hospitalized.

Police did not release further details about his injuries.

The correctional officer had minor injuries while the deputy wasn't hurt, according to state police.

'œTo protect the life of the correctional officer and himself, the deputy confronted the armed inmate and was forced to fire his weapon,'ť police said in a news release. 'œThe inmate was injured by the gunfire. Immediate assistance was requested.'ť

Goss was facing trial for an armed robbery and exchanging gunfire with police.

A message left Sunday for Matt Vaughn, a public defender in Jefferson County who has represented Goss, wasn't immediately returned.

Online court records show the case is scheduled for a Nov. 30 status hearing.

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.