Suspect Killed, Trooper Wounded in Exchange of Gunfire Near Mt. Vernon

An exchange of gunfire between a suspect and Illinois State Police troopers early Tuesday left the suspect dead and a trooper wounded.

The incident occurred at 3am along Interstate 64 near Mt. Vernon.

State Police reported their units responded to a motorist assist. During the incident, an altercation occurred and the suspect displayed a firearm. Gunfire was exchanged between the suspect and troopers. The suspect was killed. The wounded trooper, a 16-year veteran, received non-life threatening injuries as a result of gunfire during the incident and was taken for treatment.

Initially, all lanes of I-64 eastbound were closed, but were reopened at approximately 6:25am.