Illinois Trooper Fatally Shoots Woman Driving Toward Officer
Key Highlights
- The woman was pronounced dead at a local hospital after being shot by the trooper.
- The police attempted to stop a reported stolen vehicle, which led to the confrontation.
- The trooper involved has been placed on administrative leave as part of standard protocol during the investigation.
EAST ST. LOUIS, Illinois -- A Maryville woman was shot and killed by an Illinois State Police trooper after attempting to flee from a traffic stop and driving toward an officer.
Rachel E. Tarrence, 40, of Maryville, was pronounced dead at a local hospital after the incident.
According to a press release from the Illinois State Police, the incident occurred about 10:08 p.m. Jan. 4 near a convenience store in the 4500 block of South State Street in East St. Louis.
According to preliminary information, troopers were investigating a reported stolen vehicle and attempted to stop the vehicle, which was driven by Tarrence.According to police, she put the vehicle into reverse, striking an Illinois State Police vehicle, then drove in the direction of a trooper, who fired into the vehicle, striking Tarrence.
Troopers called for EMS and administered first aid. She was transported to an area hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
The trooper was placed on administrative status, a standard protocol, according to the Illinois State Police, and the incident remains under investigation.
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