Friday Afternoon Incident in Brownstown Area Under Investigation

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Published on May 21 2018 2:27 pm
Last Updated on May 21 2018 3:26 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

Illinois State Police continue their investigation into a Friday afternoon incident at Brownstown that led to the death of a man.

Interim Fayette County Coroner David Hejl Monday said a 23-year-old man was pronounced dead at Fayette County Hospital in Vandalia due to self-inflicted wounds from a firearm after a pursuit by law enforcement agencies.

Hejl said local law enforcement initially responded to a call by family members concerned for the man's safety and well-being due to statements made by him.

An autopsy was performed in Effingham on Saturday at HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital in Effingham, with Illinois State Police and Hejl in attendance. Hejl said the evidence and wounds are consistent with a self-inflicted injury.

A collision occurred on US Route 40 at Brownstown as law enforcement officers attempted to stop the man's vehicle. Fayette County State's Attorney Josh Morrison said Fayette County Sheriff Chris Smith and St. Elmo Police Chief Brock Rich used their vehicles in an intervention technique designed to stop the vehicle. Morrison said it was after the collision that the man shot himself.

US Route 40 in Brownstown was closed for several hours after the incident. Sheriff Smith and Chief Rich were both taken to Fayette County Hospital in Vandalia for examination and then released.