MACOMB, Ill. — A 4-year-old was killed by police when officers responded to a domestic violence incident in Macomb, according to the Illinois State Police (ISP).
Shortly after 10 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, officers with the Macomb Police Department responded to the 900 block of N. Charles Street for an active domestic violence incident. According to a press release, police noticed blood in a common area of the complex and forcibly entered the unit after hearing screams from inside.
After reviewing body camera footage, evidence, witness interviews and autopsy reports, ISP findings said police encountered the suspect holding a knife before he ducked out of officers' view and emerged holding a 4-year-old child in front of him. Police say the suspect was holding a knife around the child's throat and another around their waist.
ISP says a Macomb officer fired one shot that killed both the child and the suspect, who has been identified as 57-year-old Anthony George. Per McDonough County Coroner policy, the child's name has not been released.
McDonough County Coroner Eric Jameson told News 8 that there was no relation between George and the child who was killed.
A 36-year-old woman with multiple stab wounds was removed from the apartment upon police arrival and given medical treatment, officials say. Her current condition and identity have not been released.
According to court records, George previously pled guilty to domestic battery causing bodily harm in McDonough County in October 23. He spent 35 days in jail and was charged $639 in fines for the offense.
ISP says they have met with the families of both the child and the suspect. ISP will send its findings to the McDonough County State's Attorney's Office when the investigation is complete. The department says two officers involved have been placed on administrative leave pending further investigation.
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