MACOMB, Ill — UPDATE: A suspect has been taken into custody without incident, according to police. Find News 8's updated reporting on this incident here.
Two police officers were shot while executing a search warrant in Macomb Wednesday evening, according to the department.
In an 11 p.m. update, Police Chief Jeff Hamer said the officers arrived in the 300 block of North Normal Street around 6:44 p.m. After knocking and identifying themselves multiple times, Hamer said the officers forced their way into the residence where they were immediately shot at by someone inside.
As of 11 p.m., the scene remains active. Hamer said there is no threat to the community and that a perimeter has been set up around the residence. News 8 crews observed local, state and federal agencies at the scene around 11:30 p.m., including SWAT. No information as to why the scene is still active was provided. The public is asked to avoid the area.
The two wounded officers were taken to a local hospital in critical condition. Hamer said they are "stable" and that he has spoken with them a couple of times already Wednesday evening. The chief added that they are with family and are in "good spirits."
"The officers are in good spirits, I want that to be first and foremost," Hamer said during the press conference. "The officers are doing well considering. Our hearts and prayers are with those officers and their families at this time."
The shooting happened about a block away from Western Illinois University's campus. The university had sent out an alert through its Emergency Alert System about an active shooter near campus around 7:37 p.m.
U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen, D-Rockford, provided the following statement on the incident.
I am continuing to monitor the shooting of two police officers in Macomb, Illinois tonight. While we receive updates about what happened, I am keeping the two officers, their families, friends, the Macomb Police Department, and the entire community in my heart. Violence against our law enforcement officers is absolutely unacceptable. I ask everyone to pray for their swift recovery.
News 8 will update this news story as more information is made available. Download our app and subscribe to our YouTube channel for updates.
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