SUSPECT CHARGED IN CONNECTION WITH SHOOTING OF THREE FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS POLICE OFFICERS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 19, 2025
May 19, 2025
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS – The Fairview Heights Police Department requested the Illinois State Police investigate an officer incident that occurred on May 17, 2025. As a result of that investigation, the Saint Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office has charged 22-year-old Elijah Thompson of Belleville, IL with four counts of Attempted Murder (Class X), three counts of Aggravated Battery (Class X), and one count of Resisting Arrest (Class 4 felony).
On May 17, 2025, at 9:44 p.m., Fairview Heights Police officers responded to a call of a suspicious individual prowling around a nearby residence. Upon arrival, officers encountered the individual, Thompson, who opened fire striking three Fairview Heights Police officers. Thompson was taken into custody uninjured and the gun recovered.
Officer Molly Muennich was shot in the face and underwent emergency surgery. She remains in critical, but stable condition. Officer Herminio Raimundi was shot in the arm and has since been released from the hospital. Officer Andrew Ward was shot in the back, but his vest stopped the bullet and he was treated and released.
“The Fairview Heights Police Department is united during this challenging time, drawing strength from our officers' resilience and the community's support,” said Fairview Heights Police Chief Steve Johnson. “We are committed to providing every resource necessary to aid their recovery and ensure they know they and their families are not facing this alone. Evil comes in many forms and our officers confronted it head on. Our mission remains the same, to protect with vigilance and serve with honor.”
“We pray for the officers involved and their families and we intend to do all in our power to ensure that the perpetrator is held accountable for his actions that night,” said Saint Clair County State’s Attorney James Gomric.
Thompson is being held in the Saint Clair County Jail.
The charges are not evidence against the defendant and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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