Illinois State Police Investigating Officer Involved Shooting in Stark County

For Immediate Release

TOULON – On Saturday, February 18, 2023, the Stark County Sheriff’s Office requested the Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) to investigate an officer involved shooting.

Preliminary information indicates at approximately 6:30 a.m., officers assigned to the Henry County Special Operations Squad (comprised of officers from multiple agencies) were attempting to affect an arrest / search warrant at a residence located in the 500 block of N. Olive Street in Toulon, when they encountered the subject identified as Rodney G. Williams, 66-year-old male of Toulon, IL, inside his apartment. The subject reportedly attempted to strike officers with a machete. Officers discharged their firearms, striking the subject. The subject was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased. No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.

The ISP will conduct an independent investigation and submit the case to the Stark County State’s Attorney once complete. Anyone with information about this investigation is urged to contact ISP DCI at (309) 693-5015.

The investigation is active and ongoing. No additional information will be released at this time.

All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.