Skokie police use nonlethal rounds when armed man reportedly ‘compromised safety of bystanders’

Skokie police fired rubber bullets at a man to “subdue” him after he reportedly threatened to kill officers with a butcher knife outside his home on Tuesday.

Authorities responded at 8:41 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 15, to a report of a domestic dispute involving a person armed with a knife in the 9200 block of Lorel Avenue, a news release from the Skokie Police Department says. 

On scene, a man armed with a butcher knife reportedly was in front of a home and officers secured the area while police “initiated verbal communication to de-escalate the situation.”

While officers spoke to the man, he “threatened to kill Skokie Police and appeared to be experiencing a mental health crisis,” the news release says. 

Skokie police used “Crisis Intervention Trained staff” and “Tactical Intervention Unit members” while attempting to de-escalate the situation. Officers equipped with ballistic shields and less-lethal 40-millimeter “single-shot launchers” were on-scene as a precaution, according to the release. 

While Skokie police negotiated with the man, bystanders reportedly gathered in the area, and at around 9:27 p.m., the armed man walked to an area that “compromised the distance and safety of bystanders and police staff despite efforts to gain compliance,” the release says.

Police discharged the 40-millimeter launchers, which hold “specialty rubber rounds designed not to break the skin,” to disarm the man and officers then “secured” him, the release says. 

The Skokie Fire Department reportedly transported the man to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Skokie police will not pursue criminal charges, the release says. 

In the release, Skokie police warned civilians about the dangers of active crime scenes.

“The Skokie Police Department reminds community members that, although it is tempting to watch a live event unfold, please maintain a safe distance while emergency responders handle the situation,” the release says. 

Skokie police asked individuals with information regarding this incident to contact the Skokie Police Department at 847-982-5900, via the 24-hour Skokie Crime Tip Hotline (847/933-TIPS) or “Text-A-Tip” by texting “Skokie” and your tip to 226787.

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