The Centralia Police Department is investigating shots fired from a car at a man in an alley off the 500 block of South Elm Street Sunday night.
The two men initially exchanged words after the driver of the car from which the shots were allegedly fired had nearly struck the victim with his vehicle. The alleged victim yelled at the driver to slow down. The vehicle stopped, backed up, and approached the victim where the verbal exchange took place.
The suspect indicated he “had something” for the victim and would return. The suspect departed in his vehicle and the alleged victim went inside his residence. Shortly after the suspect left, the alleged victim looked out and observed the same suspect vehicle driving slowly in the alley.
The alleged victim exited his residence, observed the suspect to be the person he spoke with earlier, and noticed a blue laser pointed in his direction. The alleged victim heard a bang and realized he was being shot at due to projectiles striking his residence and car. After 4 to 5 shots the vehicle sped away going southbound to 6th St then westbound towards Poplar.
Centralia Police say the victim checked on his family and two rounds penetrated the house nearly striking a 14-year-old female in the kitchen.
Approximately 10 minutes after the initial call CPD officers located a newer Buick passenger car on North Elm. This vehicle was stopped, and the officers determined this vehicle was not involved.
Centralia Police initially responded to the area after multiple 911 calls were received of shots fired.
The Illinois State Police Crime Scene Unit was called to process the scene. Centralia Patrol officers began canvassing the area to locate any video footage related to the incident. At the time of the police department’s press release several strong leads have been developed and officers are working diligently to identify the individual responsible for firing the shots.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Centralia Police Investigations at 618-533-7608.
