Off-duty sheriff’s deputy shoots, kills suspect in Elgin after coming across armed robbery in progress, authorities say

ELGIN, Ill. — Authorities are investigating a fatal shooting in Elgin after an off-duty Kane County sheriff’s deputy came across an armed robbery in progress on Monday afternoon.

Elgin police were called to the scene near the intersection of Walnut Avenue and National Street just after 4:30 p.m. Monday following a report of a shooting in the area, according to the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office.

WGN-TV obtained viewer video after the shooting took place. See the attached video for more.

According to Kane County Sheriff Ron Hain, an armed robbery was in progress when an off-duty deputy was driving through the area and saw an individual attack another individual. After the suspect showed a firearm, Hain said, the deputy shot and killed him.

The suspect has not yet been identified. The other individual in the attack was not injured, nor was the off-duty deputy.

“Our deputy acted very courageously off-duty and saved multiple lives,” Hain said in a statement Monday night. “Police officers’ actions like these should be celebrated for their line of work, on-duty or off.”

Hain also confirmed that the Kane County Major Crimes Task Force is handling the administrative side of the investigation, while the Elgin Police Department is investigating the criminal incident that led up to the shooting.

In a Zoom interview Tuesday morning, Hain reiterated how proud he is off the off-duty deputy for taking immediate action Monday when he came across the incident.

“I have to point out how heroic the work is, even off-duty, that police officers do when they see something happening like that, that they’re going to jump in and take immediate action,” Hain said.

“I couldn’t be more proud of him.”

Several people who live in the area told WGN-TV that they heard around three to four gunshots. Another resident who lives in the area said she saw a man lying on the ground following the incident.

The intersection of Walnut Ave. and National St., which was closed in all directions Monday evening as authorities investigated, has been reopened as of Tuesday morning.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com.