No criminal charges will be filed against Elgin Police officer involved in a non-fatal shooting
ELGIN — The Illinois State Police Public Integrity Task Force notified the Elgin Police Department that the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office has completed its review of the non-fatal officer-involved shooting incident that occurred on Jan. 13 involving Elgin Police Officer Fernando Camacho in the 90 block of Oak Ridge Boulevard.
The investigation concluded that no criminal charges would be filed against Camacho. The Illinois State Police Public Integrity Task Force and the Cook County State’s Attorney conduct independent investigations of incidents in which police officers use deadly force, according to the Elgin Police Department.
On Jan. 13, Camacho responded to a call regarding a suicidal subject. The preliminary investigation revealed that upon arriving on the scene at 1:28 a.m., Camacho was directed inside the subject’s residence by the 9-1-1 caller. The subject was described as a 29-year-old male.
Once inside the residence, Camacho observed the subject with obvious wounds to his neck and torso area. When Camacho attempted to assist the subject, he began struggling. During the struggle, the subject managed to obtain a knife and began stabbing himself before returning his attention to Camacho. The subject was still armed with a knife while approaching Camacho which subsequently led Camacho to discharge his firearm, wounding the subject.
Following the shooting, Camacho secured the subject and began administering first aid. The subject was then transported to an area hospital where he was listed in stable condition. Under departmental policy, Camacho was transported to a local hospital after the incident for observation and testing.
Camacho was placed on paid administrative leave while the independent investigation was conducted by the Illinois State Police Public Integrity Task Force.
“With the conclusion of the Illinois State Police Public Integrity Task Force investigation and the final determination made by the Cook County State’s Attorney Office, an independent, internal investigation will now commence to determine whether all Elgin Police Department policies were followed,” stated Elgin Police Chief Ana Lalley. “This independent, internal investigation will be conducted by the outside law firm the city retains by ordinance.”
On Feb. 9, the Elgin Police Department released the body cam footage of the incident.
“I want to thank the Illinois State Police Public Integrity Task Force and the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office for their thorough and complete review of this incident,” added Lalley. “Once the independent, internal investigation is complete, the Elgin Police Department will provide the findings of the report to the public. The Elgin Police Department will also continue to provide information and updates to this incident when available to meet the community’s expectation for transparency.”
The Elgin Police Department first announced Camacho as a new police academy graduate on Aug. 6. 2022.
