Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Bullard says an investigation has been completed into the death of a Mt. Vernon man who was shot while wrestling with a sheriff’s deputy over control of his gun.
20-year-old Carrion Holmes died from injuries sustained on January 8th after he had gained control of the deputy’s handgun from its holster during a struggle. The gun fired three times, the final round of which struck Holmes on the left side of the head while the muzzle was very close. The deputy returned to his vehicle to request backup and medical assistance, but it was too late to assist Holmes.
The investigation showed Holmes died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after resisting the deputy’s efforts to take him into custody. The investigation also found the deputy’s actions were within the lawful scope of his employment and were justified. The deputy has since returned to work.
The incident began after a deputy responded to a stolen vehicle reportedly stuck in a ditch along Richview Road. He found the vehicle as well as Holmes in the roadway. The deputy attempted to take Holmes into custody with gun drawn and verbal commands that were not followed. The deputy later fired his taser at Holmes when he began to run on foot, but it was not effective. Following a brief pursuit, the deputy tackled Holmes, bringing both down onto the ice- and snow-covered ground. The deputy then lost control of his gun to Holmes before the shots were fired.
Sheriff Bullard says a body cam recorded the incident but is not being released at the request of a family member.
The investigation was conducted by Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation, an administrative investigation by the sheriff’s office and the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office, with a final review of the facts by State’s Attorney Sean Featherstun.
