Use of force justified in officer-involved shooting at DeKalb car dealership, prosecutor says

DEKALB, Ill. (WIFR) – Two DeKalb police officers who shot and killed a stabbing suspect at a car dealership are found justified following a review by DeKalb County Prosecutor Rick Amato.

At approximately 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 23, officers were called to Brian Bemis Toyota of DeKalb, 1890 Sycamore Rd., about a customer threatening people with two large knives.

Callers reported the customer broke windows and stabbed a dealership employee.

DeKalb Police say Chief David Byrd and Officer Bollow were the first officers on the scene and immediately encountered the suspect, 32-year-old Charles Tripicchio.

Officer Bollow ordered Tripicchio to drop the knives, but he walked away from the officers. Body camera footage released by the Illinois State Police shows Officer Bollow and Chief Byrd ordering Tripicchio to drop the weapon, but he refused. Finally, Tripicchio turns to the officers, raises his arm and says, “Hey, look!” and threw one of the knives at Officer Bollow. Police then fired several shots at Tripicchio, wounding him. Officials say Tripicchio dropped the second knife as he fell to the ground.

As officers began to render aid to Tripicchio, they kicked the second knife out of the way. DeKalb Police report that the knife thrown at officers was found in a wall behind where Officer Bollow was standing.

The body camera footage released by ISP can be found here.

Tripicchio is charged with armed violence, attempted armed robbery, aggravated assault, criminal damage to property and aggravated assault. According to authorities, he is still receiving medical treatment.

DeKalb police say the incident was independently investigated by the Illinois State Police to ensure proper protocols were followed. According to the DeKalb Police Department, officers were found to be in compliance.

The department says both Chief Byrd and Officer Bollow will return to full duty. Previously they were entrusted with administrative tasks.

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