Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 7 has released a video of the officer-involved shooting incident that occurred at the Jefferson County Court in Mt. Vernon on Tuesday.
Preliminary information indicates a Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office correctional officer was transporting 55-year-old Fredrick Goss to the courtroom for a jury trial. While in the sally port, Goss was unhandcuffed by the correctional officer as Goss was not to appear before the jury in restraints.
After the handcuffs were removed, Goss was transferred from the transport vehicle into a wheelchair. While in the wheelchair, Goss grabbed the correctional officer’s sidearm and after a struggle, disarmed the correctional officer. During the continued struggle for the firearm, a round was discharged.
A Jefferson County Sherriff’s Deputy assigned to courthouse security observed the incident on the sally port surveillance camera and went to the sally port to aid the Correctional Officer. The Deputy discharged his firearm striking Goss. Goss was transported to an area hospital and eventually transferred to a St. Louis area hospital for treatment of his injuries.
In accordance with the ISP Division of Criminal Investigation’s commitment to integrity and transparency, video of the event is being made available to the public.
This video can be accessed through the following link: https://youtu.be/jLEX3wPpCJM
Members of Goss’ family have been afforded the opportunity to view the video prior to this release. This remains an ongoing investigation conducted by ISP DCI Zone 7 and is under review by the Jefferson County State’s Attorney Office (JCSA).
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputy fires a shot that strikes Frederick Goss as he holds a gun on a correctional officer who was trying to take him to court. Clip extracted from video released by State Police.
