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MT. VERNON – The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has completed their administrative investigation into the attempted escape and deputy involved shooting at the courthouse while a criminal investigation by Illinois State Police is still underway.
Sheriff Jeff Bullard says in an online video release that the office will now use the surveillance video from the incident and the series of events, as a training measure for future deputies.
Officer Clark was injured in the late October scuffle with 55-year-old Frederick Goss and has not returned to duty as he continues to recover. Deputy May has returned to full duty at the sheriff’s office.
After investigating the incident, the sheriff’s office determined Officer Clark would be awarded the Purple Heart medal.
They have also decided to award Deputy May the Medal of Valor for his heroic actions and he has been named the Illinois Sheriff’s Association 2021 Deputy of the Year.
ISP says a correctional officer was transporting Goss to the courtroom for a jury trial.
While in the sally port of the courthouse, Goss was unhandcuffed by the officer, as Goss wasn’t supposed to appear before the jury in restraints.
After the handcuffs were removed, Goss was transferred from the transport vehicle into a wheelchair.
While in the wheelchair, Goss grabbed the correctional officer’s sidearm and after a struggle, disarmed the officer.
During the continued struggle for the firearm, a round was discharged.
A Jefferson County deputy assign to courthouse security saw the incident surveillance camera and went to aid the officer.
The deputy discharged his weapon and struck Goss.
Goss was treated at a St. Louis Hospital and later released. He is still being held in the Marion County Jail.
