An apprehension took a dangerous turn yesterday morning as three Springfield police officers sustained injuries while attempting to arrest a suspected murderer. The incident unfolded on August 10 around 10:52 a.m. in the 2700 block of South Macarthur Blvd.
Officers from the Springfield Police Department had responded to a call for assistance from the U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Regional Task Force, who were seeking to apprehend Deondre Powell, 29, a resident of St. Louis, wanted on a homicide-related warrant from St. Louis, MO, and a parole warrant issued by the Illinois Department of Corrections.
Powell attempted to evade the officers on foot. A pursuit ensued, and officers managed to wrestle Powell to the ground. Powell, armed with a handgun, discharged several rounds in the direction of the Springfield Police Officers.
Officers used a taser, allowing the team to finally subdue and apprehend Powell. The suspect was taken into custody without any further harm to the officers or civilians.
Deondre Powell now faces a litany of charges, including attempted homicide, aggravated discharge of a firearm at a police officer, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, resisting arrest, and aggravated battery to a police officer. He is currently detained at the Sangamon County Jail, awaiting formal charges from the Sangamon County State’s Attorney.
In the incident, three Springfield Police Officers sustained minor injuries while apprehending Powell. They were transported to local hospitals, where they received medical treatment. All three officers were subsequently released from medical care.