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Carbondale Police Identify Injured Officer

The Carbondale Police Department has identified its officer who was shot in the line of duty on Sunday night.

He is 26-year-old Trey Harris, who has been with the department for three years.

Police also say Harris was released from a St. Louis hospital Tuesday afternoon.

Authorities say anyone who would like to donate monetarily to Officer Harris should bring those donations to the Carbondale Public Safety Building at 501 South Washington. The checks should be made payable to CPD Injured Officers Fund. Donations can also be mailed to the public safety building.City of Carbondale Police Department

"CPD Injured Officers Fund"

501 South Washington Street

Carbondale, Illinois 62901

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We know a little more about the Carbondale Police officer shot in the line of duty Sunday night in the northeast part of town.

During a news conference Monday afternoon, Chief of Police Jeff Grubbs said the officer is a 26-year-old male, who's been with the department since 2013. He's listed in serious, but stable condition in a St. Louis hospital. Grubbs said he will not release the man's name at this time, but he did have this to say, ""I want to say to our officer and his family, you're in our thoughts. You're in our prayers. We thank you for your bravery and your service to the citizens of our city."

Patrol officers responded to the 700 block of North Robert Stalls Avenue around 11:30 Sunday night when they heard gunshots.  While driving toward the source of gunshots, the officers saw a tan 4-door Pontiac Grand Prix driving away from the area at a high rate of speed.  The officers attempted to stop the vehicle.

During the pursuit, in the 2400 block of Dillinger Road, Chief Grubbs said the officer was hit inside his patrol car.

 

"The vehicle was struck and the rounds came through the windshield of the vehicle. We're not disclosing the actual number of rounds that may have struck the officer or the location thereof at this point."

 

Grubbs said at least two black males are suspects. But, he says there are people who have more information and there is an incentive for them to come forward.

 

"At this point, we are offering a minimum of a $10,000 reward for information which leads to the identity, arrest and conviction of any of those involved in this incident."

 

Chief Grubbs said the suspect's burned-out vehicle was located in Williamson County. He said the suspects are considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information should contact Carbondale Police, Illinois State Police District 13 or CrimeStoppers at 618- 549-COPS.

Grubbs said the public's support has been overwhelming.

He said people are offering food and supplies to officers who will work around the clock to find the suspects involved in the shooting. He suggests people call the department before showing up with anything.

Grubbs said he realizes this incident comes at a time when police officers across the nation have become targets after claims of brutality. He said constructive dialogue is needed - both locally and nationally.

 

"What we cannot do as a people is not come together. Certainly, to embrace lawlessness is going to get none of us into a position where were able to effectively move forward."

 

Grubbs said his department and Illinois State Police have set up a commander center at the CPD to work on finding the suspects wanted in the shooting.

 

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A Carbondale Police officer is in a St. Louis hospital after he was shot during a chase on the city's northeast side.

The Carbondale Police Department says officers were responding to reports of shots fired on North Robert Stalls Street Sunday night when they noticed a tan four-door car speeding away.

The officers chased the car, and attempted to stop it. Police say a suspect in the car shot at the squad car, hitting the car and one of the officers inside. The officer was rushed to Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, and later airlifted to a St. Louis hospital for treatment.

Illinois State Police, the Jackson County Sheriff's Department, and SIU Department of Public Safety are investigating the shooting.

If anyone has information about this incident, they're asked to call the Carbondale Police Department at 457-3200 or the COPS Tip Line at 549-COPS or 687-COPS.

Copyright 2016 WSIU Public Radio

WSIU's award winning reporter bringing you the morning news, local political talk and market forecasts.
Jennifer Fuller
WSIU's award winning reporter bringing you the morning news, local political talk and market forecasts.
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