Metro-east woman dead after being shot by trooper in East St. Louis

A 40-year-old woman was fatally shot by an Illinois State Police trooper after allegedly striking a police vehicle and driving toward a trooper in a stolen vehicle, police said.

According to an Illinois State Police news release, troopers were investigating a report of a stolen vehicle when they attempted to stop it near a convenience store in the 4500 block of State Street shortly after 10 p.m. Sunday.

The driver, identified as Rachel E. Tarrence, put the vehicle in reverse and struck an ISP squad car, according to police.

Tarrence then drove toward a trooper, who fired his weapon, striking Tarrence, police said. Troopers immediately rendered aid and called for emergency medical services. Tarrence was pronounced dead at a local hospital, which was not identified in the release. No troopers were injured in the incident.

Illinois State Police Division of Internal Investigation special agents are investigating the shooting. The trooper involved, whose name has not been released, has been placed on administrative status, which is standard procedure.

Upon conclusion of the investigation, police said all evidence will be turned over to the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office for review.

This story was originally published January 5, 2026 at 12:09 PM.