UPDATE: MAN KILLED IN SHOOTOUT IDENTIFIED — DECATUR POLICE CHIEF RELEASES INFORMATION ON SHOOTING THAT LEFT TWO OFFICERS WOUNDED, SUSPECT DEAD

UPDATE: The Decatur man killed in this morning’s shoot-out with police has been identified as 32-year-old Jamontey O. Neal.

On 10/12/22, at 12:25 am, Decatur Police Officers made a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 1300 block of E. Walnut. Based on information known to the officers prior to the stop, when officers approached the vehicle, the driver, and sole occupant, was ordered to show his hands. The driver refused to comply with the officer’s instructions. During this interaction one of the officers observed what was believed to be a handgun in the vehicle near the driver. At this point, the officers attempted to remove the driver from the vehicle.

As the officers attempted to remove the driver from the vehicle, the driver produced a handgun and fired multiple rounds at the officers at close range. At this point, the officers returned fire. The driver then again fired at the officers, at which time the officers again returned fire. During the exchange of gunfire, one Decatur Police Officer was hit multiple times and a second Decatur Police Officer was hit one time. The driver was also struck multiple times. Rescue personnel were dispatched immediately and arrived on scene within minutes.

The driver was transported by ambulance to DMH, where he was pronounced deceased. The Macon County Coroner’s Office will release the name of the driver. The officers that were shot were transported to DMH by other police officers on scene. One DPD officer is in stable condition. The other DPD officer is in serious but stable condition and underwent surgery for his wounds. In total, 4 police officers discharged their firearms during this incident, three DPD officers and one deputy from the Macon County Sheriff’s Office.

The Illinois State Police was contacted and will be conducting the investigation into this incident. This is standard procedure for this type of incident. Any questions regarding the investigation itself should be directed to the Illinois State Police Public Information Office (ISP.PIO.Personnel@illinois.gov) and the Macon County State’s Attorney’s Office. The DPD officers involved in the incident will be placed on Administrative Leave, which is also standard procedure for this type of incident.

This incident was captured on both body-worn camera and in-car video. In the interest of transparency, the Decatur Police Department will release the videos in the near future. The Decatur Police Department is committed to a full and transparent investigation into this incident. In addition to the investigation being conducted by the Illinois State Police, the department will conduct an internal investigation into the incident.

Anytime there is a loss of life, we are saddened, and our condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the deceased. We are also hurting for our officers, who were out working the streets trying to confront violent offenders and they were faced with an officer’s worst nightmare. Our prayers go out to the family and friends of our officers.