Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Bullard says the department’s administrative investigation has found the shooting of an inmate attempting to escape from the courthouse sally port was ‘lawful and within the sheriff’s department guidelines.’
Deputy David May ran to the sally port from his courthouse security post when he saw Correctional Officer Jeff Clark being overtaken by inmate Frederick Goss who was being taken back to the courthouse for his trial and fired the shot. However, the investigation found fault with Clark for not following an extra security directive issued by the jail administrator due to the nature of the charges against Goss.
Bullard said Clark had deviated from the extra security directive when he chose to act alone and not request a second officer be present when moving Goss to the courthouse sally port. The investigation found Clark placed himself in a compromised position again while putting Goss in the wheelchair. He says that deviation from the directive directly contributed to Goss’ ability to disarm Clark.
The judge handling Goss’ jury trial on Class X felony charges of armed robbery and aggravated discharge of a firearm at a police officer had ordered handcuffs be removed before he enter the courtroom.
Bullard says any actions taken as a result of deviations from policy and procedure are considered confidential personnel-related matters and won’t be released publically.
Bullard says Clark’s use of force to try and defend himself was lawful and within the guidelines of the sheriff’s department policy.
The sheriff says the investigation found May’s firing of his service weapon and use of force to protect himself and officer Clark as well as to stop Goss’ escape were also lawful and within guidelines set by sheriff’s office policy.
Bullard announced the results of the investigation led by Chief Deputy Blaine Uhls in a 7.5-minute video posted on Facebook Sunday night.
State Police are still continuing their investigation into the shooting incident.
After a three-day administrative leave, Deputy May returned to full duty. Officer Clark who was injured during the attack has not returned to work.
Clark will be honored privately with a Purple Heart for incurring an injury while on duty.
Goss was treated at a hospital for his ankle injuries and is now being held in the Marion County Jail pending further action on charges against him in Jefferson County.
May will be presented a Medal of Valor at Monday night’s Jefferson County Board meeting and will be honored as the Illinois Sheriff’s Association as its Deputy of the Year at their conference in East Peoria in February.
