Springfield Officer-Involved Shooting Deemed Justified

The Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office announced today that no criminal charges will be filed against Springfield Police Officer Jesse Schmillen in connection with the September 4, 2024, shooting of Carrington James. The decision follows an extensive investigation by the Illinois State Police and a legal review by the State’s Attorney’s Office, which determined that Officer Schmillen’s use of deadly force was justified under Illinois law.

The incident began earlier that evening when officers responded to a ShotSpotter alert in the 1600 block of South 16th Street, where a residence had been struck by gunfire. Dispatch later identified a suspect vehicle, a white Kia, linked to the shooting. Officer Schmillen located the vehicle hours later at Mr. Gyros on South Martin Luther King Drive and conducted a traffic stop.

Body camera footage, also released today, captures the chaotic events that unfolded. Carrington James, a passenger in the vehicle, initially resisted officers' attempts to remove him from the car. After breaking free, James fled on foot, reaching into his waistband and discharging a firearm in close proximity to the officers. Officer Schmillen then fired his service weapon, striking James.

In their review, prosecutors emphasized the legal standard for evaluating the use of force by police officers under Illinois law. Officers are allowed to use deadly force if they reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to themselves or others. This standard, set forth in statutes such as 720 ILCS 5/7-5, considers the totality of circumstances and requires the decision to be judged from the perspective of an officer on the scene, not with the benefit of hindsight.

Officer Schmillen stated in his report that he feared for his life and the lives of other officers, believing that James’s discharge of a firearm was directed at them. The body camera footage, combined with Schmillen’s testimony and other evidence, supported the conclusion that his actions were reasonable given the circumstances.

The footage, which provides a firsthand look at the events, is available for public viewing. Springfield Police Chief Ken Scarlette expressed his gratitude for the thorough investigation, stating, “Our department remains committed to transparency and accountability.