Published on February 15, 2026 6:22 pm
Last Updated on February 15, 2026 6:22 pm
An armed robbery suspect died in Mattoon Friday after shooting himself.
Mattoon police were contacted by the Kalamazoo, Michigan Department of Public Safety Friday regarding an active armed robbery investigation. Authorities advised that a suspect with an active arrest warrant was believed to be in Mattoon, specifically in the 1400 block of East Broadway Avenue.
Mattoon police responded and located a man seated in the passenger seat of a vehicle in a hotel parking lot. Officers attempted to have the man exit the vehicle. During this time, the man opened the passenger door and told officers that he intended to shoot himself as he did not want to return to prison.
Moments later, the man closed the passenger door and shot himself. No law enforcement officers discharged their firearms during the encounter.
Mitchell-Jerdan Ambulance responded to the scene and transported the subject to Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Due to the death occurring during an officer-involved incident, the Illinois State Police has been contacted to conduct an independent investigation.
