Illinois State Police Release Video of Fatal Police Shooting of 15-Year-Old in Bloomington

Bloomington, IL – The Illinois State Police have publicly released police dashcam footage from the February 25th officer-involved shooting that resulted in the death of a 15-year-old boy in Bloomington.

Incident Overview

Bloomington police officers responded to the 800 block of Arcadia Drive shortly before 5 p.m. after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting a young individual armed with a weapon.

Upon arrival, a police dashcam video shows an officer spotting the teen running down a driveway toward a parking lot behind an apartment complex. The officer immediately radioed in a description of the suspect before approaching him.

Confrontation Captured on Video

According to the video, the teen had what appeared to be a firearm tucked into his waistband. The officer can be heard issuing multiple verbal commands, ordering the teen to drop the weapon.

Despite repeated demands, the video shows the situation escalating rapidly. The exact circumstances that led to shots being fired remain under review, but within moments, officers opened fire, striking the 15-year-old.

Emergency medical personnel were immediately called to the scene, but the teen succumbed to his injuries. The name of the juvenile has not been officially released due to his age.

Investigation and Public Response

The Illinois State Police Public Integrity Task Force is currently conducting an independent investigation into the shooting. The firearm in the teen’s possession was later confirmed to be a replica gun that closely resembled a real firearm, raising further questions about the circumstances of the encounter.

Following the release of the footage, community members and advocacy groups have voiced concerns about the police response, urging transparency and accountability. Bloomington city officials have called for a thorough and impartial investigation to determine whether the officers’ actions were justified.

Next Steps

Authorities are reviewing all available evidence, including body camera footage, witness statements, and forensic reports. The McLean County State’s Attorney’s Office will decide whether charges or further actions are warranted.

As the community grapples with the tragedy, city leaders, law enforcement, and local activists are calling for open discussions about policing, youth safety, and the role of replica firearms in deadly encounters.

This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.