Washington, IL (WAND) – One person was arrested after a shootout with police that ended in an explosion in Tazewell County.
The incident happened just after 4:30 a.m. Sunday in the 900 block of Mallard Way in Washington, Illinois. Washington is just east of Peoria.
The Washington Police Department said officers responded to reports of several gunshots. When they arrived, a person inside a multi-unit apartment building began shooting at police. A Washington police officer shot back, but Illinois State Police said it is unknown if the suspect was hit.
Police said one officer from an assisting agency was hurt during the shooting. It is unclear how they were hurt, but ISP said no officers were shot. The officer was examined at the scene for minor injuries and remained on duty.
During the incident, police said an explosion happened and a fire started in the unit the suspect was shooting from. All residents in the building were displaced due to the fire damage and are being helped by the Red Cross.
Officers arrested the suspect, who was taken to the hospital after being injured by the fire. Police said the suspect’s condition is unknown at this time.
Illinois State Police is investigating the shooting. The Illinois State Fire Marshal and the Washington Fire Department are investigating the fire. According to police, there is no confirmation that an explosive device was used.
The public is being asked to avoid the area. Washington police said Mallard Way and Kingsbury Road between North Cummings Lane and Labrador Way are closed, with access only for verified residents.
