Mt. Vernon Register-News

October 26, 2009

Police investigate shootings


By TESA CULLI

tesa.culli@register-news.com

MT. VERNON — Police are investigating two shootings which injured men on the south side of the city Monday night, but it is unknown at this time if the shootings are related.

According to Mt. Vernon Police Chief Chris Mendenall, police received a report just before 7 p.m. on Monday night of a shooting in a home located in the 800 block of South 22nd Street, just off Conger Avenue.

“A group of black males forced their way into a small residence and were armed,” Mendenall said. “We know one shot was fired, which grazed an individual, and the group robbed the residents of their Social Security money.”

Mendenall said the shot grazed the victim’s head.

Another shooting victim was reported in the same area, and Mendenall said Monday night police are unclear if the second incident is related.

“That victim was shot in the thigh, but no one is cooperating with the investigation,” Mendenall said. “We are still investigating both incidents.”

This is the second shooting incident in the city this month. On Oct. 4, Jimmie F. Davis, 26, died from wounds he received after being shot in the 1000 block of South Sixth Street. Robert Lash, has been arrested and charged with three counts of first degree murder. A related shooting that took place on Oct. 4 is still under investigation by the Illinois State Police in which an officer allegedly shot a person. The victim was treated for injuries and arrested.