http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wium/local-wium-883649.mp3
Macomb, IL – The stand-off at the Farm King store in Macomb ended with the gunman dead from what police say was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Police Chief Curt Barker identified the gunman as Jonathan J. Labbe, 19, from Tennessee (in McDonough County).
Police have not determined a motive. They do not believe he had any connection to the store.
"The thing we have to remember is: this gentleman (Labbe) was 19 years old and there's a family out there suffering right now and our condolences need to go out to them and support them in this tragic time," said Barker during a briefing with reporters.
The story began unfolding at 12:45pm Wednesday when police received a 911 call about shots fired. Police say when they arrived at Farm King, the gunman fired at them with a rifle before ducking back into the store.
The store was evacuated when the first shots were fired but a few people were left behind. After several hours, the three employees and three customers managed to leave the building. None of those evacuated reported any injuries.
After a couple more hours, the Illinois State Police deployed a remote controlled tactical robot to clear and secure the interior of the store. Labbe's body was found at that time.
This was not Labbe's first run-in with local authorities. He was charged with battery in October 2009. Details about that incident were not immediately available.
Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene at Farm King, including Homeland Security, a SWAT team, and the McDonough County Sheriff's department.
A stretch of East Jackson Street and a number of businesses in that area were closed during the stand-off. Those businesses were allowed to re-open early Wednesday evening. However, Farm King will remain closed as a crime scene.