Crime
Illinois State Police release new details in Rock Island officer-involved shooting that killed 21-year-old Jakarta Jackson
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — The Illinois State Police have released additional information regarding the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Jakarta Jackson by a Rock Island police officer. The incident, which occurred on Monday, January 6, remains under investigation.
According to the Illinois State Police media release, the situation began at approximately 3:20 p.m. when a Rock Island police officer attempted multiple times to stop a vehicle driven by Jackson, who had an active arrest warrant.
Jackson eventually stopped the vehicle but fled on foot. During the pursuit, he circled back to his car and attempted to flee again.
The officer opened the driver’s door in an effort to arrest Jackson but was reportedly dragged by the moving vehicle.
In response, the officer discharged their firearm, striking Jackson. Emergency medical services were called immediately.
Sources told us that Jackson was shot by Officer Brett Taylor.
Jackson was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The officer involved also sustained injuries and was treated at a hospital.
The officer has been placed on administrative leave, a standard procedure in such cases. Their identity has not yet been released.
The Rock Island County Integrity Task Force (RICITF) is leading the investigation, which includes reviewing footage from in-car and body-worn cameras.
In a statement, the Illinois State Police emphasized the importance of a thorough investigation, noting that premature release of video or other evidence without authorization from the Rock Island County State’s Attorney’s Office could compromise the case.
Upon conclusion of the investigation, the findings will be turned over to the State’s Attorney’s Office for review and a final determination.
Rock Island County Coroner Brian Gustafson stated that a preliminary autopsy revealed Jackson died from multiple gunshot wounds.
Friends and family of Jakarta Jackson gathered on Monday at the Rock Island County Justice Center and the Rock Island Police Department to protest and demand answers regarding the incident.
Leading the protest was Jackson’s niece, Shayia Jackson, who called for accountability and transparency.
In an earlier statement, Rock Island Police Chief Tim McCloud confirmed he had “immediately” requested the Rock Island County Integrity Task Force to investigate the use of deadly force, underscoring the department’s commitment to an independent and impartial review of the incident.
Authorities are encouraging anyone with information about the incident to contact the Rock Island County Integrity Task Force at 309-752-4915, extension 4935.
The investigation remains active, and further updates will be provided as they become available.
Crime
Teen Killed, Another Critically Injured in Targeted Shooting Near Columbia Mall – Suspect in Custody
Columbia, MD – A teenage boy was killed, and another remains in critical condition following a targeted shooting near The Mall in Columbia on Saturday evening.
According to Howard County Police Chief Gregory Der, the shooting did not occur inside the mall but took place in the vicinity of the Lidl grocery store and a bus stop on Little Patuxent Parkway.
Mall operations were unaffected and proceeded as normal, closing at 8 p.m.
Authorities have arrested 18-year-old Emmetson Zeah of Columbia in connection with the double shooting.
Zeah has been charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder, and other related offenses.
The incident occurred on February 22 at approximately 5:52 p.m. when police responded to reports of gunfire in the 10300 block of Little Patuxent Parkway.
Upon arrival, officers discovered two victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
One victim, identified as 16-year-old Michael Robertson, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The second victim, 15-year-old Blake McCray, was transported to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center, where he remains in critical condition.
Investigators believe the shooting was a targeted attack; however, the motive remains unclear.
During a search of Zeah’s residence, authorities recovered the firearm used in the crime as well as the clothing he allegedly wore during the incident.
The investigation is ongoing, and police are urging anyone with additional information to come forward.