Update: Police seek man who fired at officer before standoff, Cahokia Heights detective says

Authorities are trying to find a 53-year-old Cahokia Heights man who shot at a code enforcement officer and a police officer Tuesday when they went to his home to follow up on a complaint about his dogs, Cahokia Heights Detective DeMarius Thomas said.

The officers were not wounded.

Police from multiple departments, including a SWAT team, set up a perimeter in the Lake Drive neighborhood. After a standoff, officers entered the man’s home, and he was no longer inside, Thomas said Wednesday.

Authorities are searching for the man. Thomas said that if anyone sees him, do not approach him. He has mental health issues and is armed and dangerous, Thomas said. People who see the man should immediately call Cahokia Heights police at (618) 337-9505.

Here’s what happened that led to the standoff

Cahokia Heights police responded to the scene in the 7100-block of Lake Drive at 3:58 p.m. in response to a call from the code enforcement officer, Thomas said.

“Code enforcement got a call at the residence today in reference to some loose, aggressive dogs. Code enforcement went there to remove the dogs,” Thomas said. “ The homeowner got upset, came outside with a firearm. The code enforcement officer backed up and called the police.”

After police arrived, one of the man’s dogs went to attack a police officer, Thomas said.

“The officer maced the dog. The homeowner opened his door, fired at the officer and went back inside of the house,” Thomas said.

After that, police sought a warrant and called in officers from multiple departments. The standoff continued until late Friday night.

This story was originally published June 18, 2024 at 6:54 PM.