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
Victims Identified in Deadly Robeson County Mass Shooting
Two Dead, 13 Injured in Mass Shooting at Large Party in Robeson County, North Carolina
ROBESON COUNTY, N.C. — A late-night party in eastern North Carolina turned deadly early Saturday morning when gunfire erupted, leaving two people dead and 13 others injured, according to the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Burnis Wilkins confirmed that deputies were called to the scene on Dixon Drive, just outside the town of Maxton, at approximately 3:00 a.m. following reports of a shooting at a large outdoor gathering attended by more than 150 people.
When deputies arrived, chaos had already unfolded — witnesses said over 150 individuals fled the area before law enforcement could secure the scene.
Authorities identified the deceased victims as Jessie Locklear and his son Nehemiah Locklear.
Several other victims sustained critical injuries and were transported to area hospitals for emergency treatment.
Sheriff Wilkins stated that, based on preliminary findings, the shooting appears to have been an isolated incident, and there is no ongoing threat to the wider community.
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from multiple agencies, continues to investigate the circumstances that led to the violence.
Detectives are working to determine the motive and identify all parties involved.
Authorities are urging anyone with information—or anyone who attended the gathering and witnessed the incident—to contact the Robeson County Sheriff’s Investigators at 910-671-3100.
“We know there were many people present when this occurred,” Sheriff Wilkins said. “If you saw something or know something, we need you to come forward to help bring justice to the victims and their families.”