Daylon K. Richardson
The Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Zone 2 was requested to investigate an officer involved death of a Knox County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) Deputy.
On April 29, 2022, at approximately 8:00 a.m., Galesburg Police Department (GPD) Officers responded to a 911 call of a suspect with a gun at the Circle K Gas Station on Main Street in Galesburg. Two Galesburg Officers located the suspect vehicle and attempted to make a traffic stop. The suspect (identified as Daylon K. Richardson, male, 22, Granite City, IL) continued to drive and fled north on US Highway 150.
A KCSO Deputy began setting up spike strips at the intersection of US Highway 150 at 150 Avenue, in Henry County, Illinois, when he was struck by the suspect vehicle. The suspect vehicle crashed in a field north of the intersection. GPD Officers apprehended Richardson after a brief foot pursuit.
“Today, law enforcement of Knox County, and all of Illinois, are hurting after suffering a tremendous loss with the line of duty death of a Knox County Sheriff’s Office Deputy,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “The State Police extend our heartfelt prayers, support, and love to the Knox County Deputy’s family, friends, and the Knox County Sheriff’s Office. There is no safety or justice without the law, there is no law without law enforcement, and there is no law enforcement without brave souls like this Knox County Deputy. The Illinois State Police are working with our local law enforcement partners to investigate this terrible crime and pursue maximum justice under the law.”
The KCSO has requested the ISP to investigate the incident. Numerous law enforcement agencies are assisting on scene and include, KCSO, GPD, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Warren County Sheriff’s Office, McDonough County Sheriff’s Office, Fulton County Sheriff’s Office and the Geneseo Police Department.
On the afternoon of April 29, 2022, the Henry County State’s Attorney approved the following charges: two counts Murder (Class M Felony), Unlawful Possession of Weapon by Felon (Class 2 Felony), and Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding (Class 4 Felony). Richardson is being held at the Henry County Jail with no bond.
The Galesburg City Hall has been designated as the collection point for anyone wishing to support the KCSO with food, flowers, or gifts.