An Illinois police officer was shot and killed during a shootout at a Champaign apartment complex where the suspect also died.
Officer Chris Oberheim died of his injuries, while another officer was wounded in an exchange of gunfire when responding to a report on early Wednesday morning about a domestic disturbance.
“Officer Oberheim was struck by gunfire while responding to a domestic disturbance. His only intention was to serve, protect and help provide care before he was senselessly fired upon and killed,” the city’s police chief, Anthony Cobb, said in a statement.
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The wounded officer was hospitalized in stable condition.
The Champaign County Coroner identified the suspect killed as 24-year-old Darion Marquise Lafayette of Champaign, who was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the News-Gazette.
Lafayette previously pleaded guilty to violation of bail bond in connection with a 2017 incident, upon which he was charged with aggravated domestic battery, domestic battery, and criminal damage to property.
Oberheim, 44, had four daughters, Monticello Schools Superintendent Vic Zimmerman told the Chicago Tribune.
Autopsies on both men are set for Thursday.
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The Illinois State Police will investigate the shooting, with assistance from Urbana police, the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office, and the University of Illinois Police Department.
