March 14--Madison County prosecutors will not charge a Wood River police officer who shot and wounded an East Alton man caught driving a stolen vehicle.
The state's attorney's office determined Detective Daniel Bunt was justified in shooting Matthew J. Lane, 23, of 3010 Smith Ave., state's attorney spokeswoman Stephanee Smith said.
The shooting occurred about 10 a.m. Jan. 27 after police spotted a stolen 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt in the 600 block of Wood River Avenue.
When Bunt later saw Lane in the car, he got out of his vehicle and approached the Cobalt. Bunt announced he was a police officer, perceived a threat and shot, Illinois State Police Capt. James Morrisey said.
State police investigated the case as it typically does for other agencies when there is a police-involved shooting.
Lane is being held in the Madison County Jail on several charges, including attempted first-degree murder for allegedly driving the car at Bunt.
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