Decatur Police Cleared After Crossbow Incident With Suspect, State’s Attorney Confirms
Three Decatur police officers cleared of charges after facing a crossbow during a home entry. Illinois State Police released body camera footage of the incident. The Macon County State’s Attorney’s Office said the officers acted lawfully.
The three Decatur officers who faced a crossbow point-blank are officially clear of criminal charges. The Macon County State’s Attorney’s Office announced the decision following a review of the incident. Illinois State Police released body camera footage that captured the confrontation.
The incident occurred when Michael Boliard, 54, locked himself inside a building near Decatur’s bus depot. Boliard had previously pointed a crossbow at the responding officers. The footage shows the suspect holding the weapon in a shoulder-ready position while facing the police. The officers were Sgt. Brandon Rolfs, Officer Nathaniel Kane, and Officer Dawson Roberts.
Police Chief Brad Allen stated that officers initially believed the suspect was holding a rifle. Allen said the officers secured the perimeter before making entry into the building. The entry revealed the armed subject confronting the officers.
The officers were placed on administrative leave pending the state’s attorney’s investigation. Chief Allen said the officers returned to administrative duty this week. Allen praised the officers for their courage and professionalism during the event.
The Macon County State’s Attorney’s Office confirmed that the officers acted lawfully. The investigation is still active and is led by the Illinois State Police. Chief Allen said a separate internal administrative review will determine whether department policies were followed.
The body camera footage was shown to reporters at a press conference held Thursday afternoon. The footage includes multiple angles of the incident. One angle provides a frame-by-frame view of Boliard holding the crossbow.