On June 7, 2023, at approximately 12:27 p.m., Rantoul Police Officer Rene Wissel made an important discovery in the 400 Block of Campbell Avenue, Rantoul. Officer Wissel located a vehicle that had previously fled from officers in April. As Officer Wissel was exiting his vehicle, the driver, 20-year-old Jheremia McKown, also exited the car and engaged in a consensual conversation with the officer.
During their conversation, Officer Wissel noticed a significant amount of cannabis packaged in various bags inside the vehicle. At the same time, the front-seat passenger, 18-year-old Jordan Richardson, inexplicably decided to exit the vehicle and flee on foot. Apart from McKown and Richardson, there were no other occupants in the vehicle.
While Richardson was running, Officer Wissel witnessed a gun fall from his possession and onto the ground. However, Richardson quickly turned around, picked up the firearm, and continued to run southbound through the residential area. Thankfully, other officers promptly arrived in the area, and Sergeant Jerry King successfully located Richardson running in the 400 block of Belle Avenue.
As Sergeant King observed Richardson, he noticed that the suspect was still armed with a handgun. In a tense moment, Richardson fell to the ground but turned towards Sergeant King while still holding the gun. In response, Sergeant King fired a single shot that struck Richardson. Following the shooting, officers and AMT Ambulance quickly rendered aid to Richardson. However, despite their efforts, Richardson succumbed to his injuries and was later pronounced dead at Carle Foundation Hospital.
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It is important to note that prior to the shooting, police officers repeatedly issued eight warnings to Jordan Richardson, urging him to either “stop” or “drop the weapon.” The handgun Richardson possessed had been reported stolen from Colorado Springs, CO on May 20, 2023. Additionally, officers discovered two loaded handguns inside the vehicle, along with a substantial amount of cannabis packaged for delivery and a considerable sum of currency.
As a result of this incident, Jheremia McKown was arrested on multiple charges, including Unlawful Use/Possession of a Weapon and Delivery of Cannabis. During the arrest, McKown struck Officer Wissel in the face, causing minor injuries that will require further medical attention.
The events leading up to Jordan Richardson’s death and the subsequent actions taken by law enforcement have been closely scrutinized. In response to public interest, a video recording of the incident has been released, allowing the public to better understand the sequences of events that unfolded that day. The video provides a comprehensive view of the situation, including the warnings given by officers and the actions taken by Sergeant King.
While unfortunate, this incident demonstrates the challenges faced by law enforcement officers every day and the split-second decisions they must make in order to protect themselves and the community. The release of the video is an essential step in promoting transparency and understanding between law enforcement and the public they serve. It allows for a fair assessment of the events surrounding Jordan Richardson’s death and a thorough examination of the actions taken by officers.
In conclusion, the incident in Rantoul, Illinois on June 7, 2023, highlights the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and the complex nature of their work. The release of the video footage aims to provide the public with a clearer understanding of the events that occurred that day. It is crucial to remember that law enforcement officers have a duty to protect the public and themselves, and decisions made in high-pressure situations are often made in an effort to ensure public safety. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and it is essential to allow the legal process to take its course and provide a comprehensive evaluation of the situation.
