Peoria County State’s Attorney Jerry Brady has cleared Peoria Police officers of any wrongdoing in the February 1st shooting of Daniel El.
In an 18-page document, Brady ruled the officers were acting in self-defense. Brady says the Illinois State Police investigation found El engaged in a “continuous, on-going gun battle.” The report also ruled out excessive force.
El exchanged gunfire with three responding officers after fleeing from a traffic stop. Police stopped El around 2:30 in the morning near Western and Lincoln Avenues. After another person in his car was taken into custody he fled, spun out, lodged his vehicle on the curb and fled on foot before the gun fire exchange.
El shot one officer in the hip, and police returned fire. Autopsy results showed El was shot 13 times.
The officers, Nathan Adams, Ian McDowell and Joseph Harris were not named in the report. They’ve been on administrative leave since the shooting. Today’s report means they will be returning to work.