Watch Ill. Police Save Hostage from Armed Teen at Detention Center

Dec. 12, 2023
Springfield police released footage of a deadly confrontation with an armed 17-year-old who began shooting inside a juvenile detention center and took a 16-year-old female hostage.

Illinois police released security and body camera footage of a hostage situation at a juvenile detention center in September that left an armed teen dead.

The incident happened Sept. 30 when a 17-year-old male armed with a handgun began shooting inside the Sangamon County Juvenile Detention Facility in Springfield, WICS-TV reports. During the incident, the teen took a 16-year-old female hostage and was trying to leave the facility with her, according to WUIS-FM.

Security camera footage shows the suspect firing shots in the facility and eventually holding a female at gunpoint.

When police reached the scene, they confronted the suspect at the detention center's entrance, and shots were fired. The suspect was struck, and he dropped his gun.

Despite being shot, the teen went for his gun on the ground, and police opened fire again. The suspect surrendered, and he was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

No officers were injured during the incident, and investigators found that the shooting was justified.

Springfield Police Chief Ken Scarlette narrated the released footage. He did not say if the suspect was being held at the facility or how he got his gun.

About the Author

Joe Vince

Joining Endeavor Business Media in 2018, Joe has worked on the company's city services publications. He began working at OFFICER.com as the assistant editor. Before starting at Endeavor, Joe had worked for a variety of print and online news outlets, including the Indianapolis Star, the South Bend Tribune, Reddit and Patch.com.

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