La Salle, Illinois — A tense standoff in La Salle ended in tragedy on March 30, when police fatally shot 72-year-old Daniel W. Curtin Sr. after hours of attempted negotiations. Authorities released drone footage showing the dramatic final moments when Curtin emerged from his home and pointed a handgun at officers, prompting police to fire.
According to the Illinois State Police, officers from La Salle and Peru responded to the 600 block of Chartres Street shortly after 1:30 p.m. following reports of a suicidal man armed with a firearm. When officers arrived, they encountered Curtin, who repeatedly exited his home holding a handgun. At one point, he fired a shot into the air and later fired from a window toward officers stationed outside.
In response to the escalating danger, the La Salle County Sheriff’s Tactical Response Team was deployed. Negotiators attempted for more than 90 minutes to de-escalate the situation, using loudspeakers to urge Curtin to put down his weapon and come out peacefully.
Neighbors were asked to shelter in place while police worked to contain the situation. Several streets were blocked off, and law enforcement set up a perimeter around the area to ensure public safety.
The standoff came to a dramatic end around 4 p.m. when Curtin stepped out of the residence once again — this time pointing his handgun directly at officers. A member of the Tactical Response Team fired a single shot, striking Curtin. Officers immediately rushed to provide first aid until paramedics arrived. Despite their efforts, Curtin was pronounced dead at the scene.
Illinois State Police confirmed that no officers or civilians were injured during the incident. The Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 1 is now leading an independent investigation to determine whether the use of deadly force was justified.
Local residents expressed shock at the incident, describing Curtin as a quiet neighbor but acknowledging that he had recently seemed troubled. Community leaders have urged patience as the investigation continues and called for support for both Curtin’s family and the responding officers who faced the dangerous situation.
Authorities say a full report, including the body camera and drone footage, will be released after the investigation concludes.
