Illinois State Police trooper injured in incident on I-294, manhunt underway

An Illinois State Police trooper was injured Monday evening near the Halsted Street toll plaza along Interstate 294 near south suburban Harvey, according to Illinois State Police.

State police said the trooper saw a suspicious person near the plaza and confronted them, at which time the suspect pointed a gun at the officer. There was a struggle and several shots were fired, but police said the trooper was not shot.

The trooper suffered an injury to his neck from the struggle but not from gunfire, police said. He was taken to a local hospital with a non-life threatening injury, and underwent treatment, state police said. A hospital spokesperson said the trooper is in stable condition.

A manhunt is underway for the offender, who is described as a black male wearing a construction-type vest and black jeans. Police do not know if he is still armed.

A firearm was recovered at the scene, state police said. Police from multiple suburbs, including Oak Brook, Orland Hills and Hazelcrest, are assisting with the search.

Anyone with information is asked to call 630-241-6800, Ext. 5028.