Early Findings Of Police-Involved Shooting Of Guard Released

ROBBINS, IL — The Illinois State Police released the findings of its preliminary investigation Tuesday night into the fatal shooting of a black armed security guard by a white Midlothian police officer outside a Robbins bar over the weekend. In it, investigators dispute claims in a federal lawsuit that Jemel Roberson was wearing clothing identifying him as a security guard.

According to state police, an armed suspect entered Manny's Blue Room Lounge, 2911 S. Claire Blvd., just after 4 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 11, and opened fire, hitting several people inside the bar. Officers from Robbins, Midlothian and other suburban police departments responded to a call of shots fired and arrived at the scene as the incident was ongoing, state police said.

A Midlothian police officer encountered Roberson, 26, in the bar's west parking lot. Roberson was armed and was "in plain black clothing with no markings readily identifying him as a Security Guard," the state police said in a release. According to witness statements to investigators, the officer ordered Roberson multiple times to drop his gun and get on the ground before shooting the guard.

RELATED: Slain Guard Mourned: 'We're Broken Up Because We Have No Answers'

Officers provided medical assistance to the gunshot victims, including Roberson, state police said. Roberson was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Witnesses told the state police that Roberson had been trying to subdue one of the individuals involved in the initial shooting that brought police to the bar. The Cook County medical examiner's office has ruled Roberson's death a homicide from multiple gunshot wounds.

The state police's Public Integrity Task Force is continuing to investigate Roberson's shooting at the request of the Midlothian Police Department. The Cook County Sheriff's Office is handling the original bar shootout.

RELATED: Lawsuit Filed After Security Guard Killed By Police

According to the Daily Southtown, the officer has been placed on administrative shooting following the shooting. On Tuesday, a small group of protesters demonstrated outside the Midlothian Police Department in response to Roberson's death.

A vigil is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16, in front of the stadium at Lane Tech High School, 2601 W. Addison St., where Roberson graduated.

"If you ever had the good fortune of knowing Jemel Roberson you'd remember his infectious laugh; the permanent grin from ear to ear; plus, you would have spotted his head above any crowd," wrote Tali Arroyo, who is organizing the event. "Jemel was my friend, and the rest of them now are at a loss. My heart also aches deeply for his family, significant other and their child. I fully respect their privacy at this time, but I'd love to show them his Lane family has their back too."

Witnesses to Roberson's shooting are urged to call the Illinois State Police at 847-294-4400. Callers can remain anonymous.

Anyone with information about the initial bar shootout should call the Cook County Sheriff’s Police Department at 847-635-1188.

Photo via Shutterstock