Car chase, shooting turns fatal

A suspect is dead after a chase and an alleged exchange of gunfire between the deceased and law enforcement, police said.

Joshua Moreno, 38, of Bowling Green, Ky., was killed after shooting at officers and police firing back according to state police who held a press conference on Tuesday in Franklin County.

Lt. Michael Alvey with the Illinois State Police reported that about 3:03 p.m. on Tuesday, the Franklin County Sheriff's Office was called on a residential burglary. "Witnesses reported the suspect leaving the residence with multiple firearms," Alvey said.

"Officers located the suspect, and a pursuit ensued at 3:06 p.m.," Alvey continued. "During the pursuit, the suspect struck a deputy's vehicle after refusing a visible and audible signal to stop. The suspect fired multiple shots at officers."

The chase continued until the vehicle driven by the suspect, who was later reported to be Moreno, became disabled on Interstate 57 heading toward Benton. "The suspect then committed an armed hijacking of another vehicle and continued to flee from officers."

The chase led Moreno and police into the Benton area, where Moreno stopped south of Benton, got out of the vehicle and continued shooting at officers involved in the chase, who by this time were from multiple law enforcement agencies, Alvey said.

Officers returned fire, fatally striking Moreno, who the Franklin County coroner pronounced dead.

"The loss of life in this incident is tragic, and our sympathies are with the family, and the community, Alvey said. "This incident underscores the importance of good citizens willing to make a difference and report suspicious behavior."

Alvey said, "There were no known injuries to members of the community, or to any of the officers involved in this incident. The incident is under investigation by the Franklin County Sheriff's Office and the Illinois State Police."

Alvey did not give the name of the officers or agencies involved in Moreno's shooting, and no further information was provided at the press conference. No questions were taken from the press due to the pending investigation, Alvey reported.

At an 8 p.m. police press conference Alvey was joined by Franklin County Sheriff Donald Jones, Franklin County States Attorney Evan Owens and Master Sgt. Nathan Eaton.

William McPherson is a contributing writer for The Benton Evening News.