Man, I am agreement with the first cop on the scene. I would not walk into a doorway when someone is blasting away inside. Gasmask? He was waiting for the cops to tear gas him when swat got there. Luckly he was not a quick reloader. Anyways, second mass shooting in Illinois this year by a convicted felon. I just hope its the last.
c-rock
[url]www.illinois-shooter.org[/url]
Police detail shooting inside Elgin tavern
By Oscar Avila
Tribune staff reporter
April 25, 2001
The first officer on the scene at JB's Pub in Elgin on April 14 heard more than 20 shots before he and colleagues rushed in, according to a police incident report released Tuesday.
Luther "Luke" Casteel has been charged in the shooting in which two people were killed and 16 wounded. Five others were injured as they sought cover.
The report, written by Officer Robert Engelke, adds new detail to witness accounts of the rampage, which ended when patrons tackled Casteel as he paused to reload.
Casteel is set to appear Thursday in Kane County Circuit Court for a status hearing.
After bouncers kicked him out of the bar, Casteel returned with his head shaved, a gas mask and an arsenal of weapons, police said.
According to his report, Engelke was the first officer on the scene about 12:40 a.m. and saw patrons running from every visible exit. One patron implored: "He is still inside shooting people. Go get him. Help us."
As other officers arrived and prepared to enter the bar together, Engelke heard 20 to 30 shots.
After charging through the door, Engelke noticed a man lying in front of the bar. The man was later identified as Richard Bartlett, 48, a patron who died of his wounds.
Bartender Jeffrey Weides, 38, also was killed. Friends said Weides might have been shot after pushing a woman out of the way.
After police took positions next to the bar, a man shouted: "He's over there." Engelke saw several men subduing Casteel. Police took over and handcuffed Casteel, who was still wearing the gas mask.
Police said Casteel had more than 200 rounds.
Engelke reported a shotgun lying about 4 feet from Casteel. A silver handgun lay next to the bar. A speed-loading device, containing ammunition was less than 2 feet away. Several ammunition magazines were at Casteel's feet.