PONTOON BEACH, IL (KMOX) -- Illinois State Police have confirmed that Pontoon Beach Police Officer Tyler Timmins has died following a shooting in Pontoon Beach, Illinois.
According to a witness, at about 7:50, he heard multiple gunshots at the Speedway gas station near the intersection of Illinois 111 and I-270.
Russell Morrow witnessed the shooting and described the chaotic aftermath. "I heard pop, pop, pop, like five or six shots and I walked over to the gas station where the cop was laying on the ground," Morrow said.
Morrow said he helped responding officers put the injured officer into the police car. "I had blood all over my hands... just trying to help the cop get him into the police car because there was no ambulance at the time."
According to police, Officer Timmins was approaching a suspected stolen vehicle when a male suspect began firing at the officer. That suspect is in custody and an investigation is ongoing.
Timmins was taken by emergency airlift to Granite City Hospital, then transferred to Saint Louis University Hospital, where he died of his injuries.
Timmins, 36, was a police officer in Madison County for 14 years, serving with Roxana, Worden and Hartford Police Departments. He joined the Pontoon Beach Police Department in April of 2020.
BackStoppers announced it will be assisting Timmins' wife. You can donate, here.
“Another brave police officer has been tragically taken from us,” said Chief Ron Battelle, executive director of The BackStoppers. “Thank you for keeping us safe, your heroism will never be forgotten. The BackStoppers will take care of you now.”
This is a developing news story. Check back for updates.
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