Man Fatally Shot By Police Was Armed With Air Rifle: Cops

VERNON HILLS, IL — A 34-year-old man killed early Saturday in an officer-involved shooting in Vernon Hills was armed with an air rifle and failed to heed several warnings by the officer first at the scene to drop his weapon, authorities said The Vernon Hills police officer responded for a domestic dispute in the 100 block of Marimac Lane at 1:38 a.m. on Sept. 15. The 34-year-old man, Randy Rauch, called dispatchers and said he would be in his garage when they arrived.

The officer first at the scene found Rauch armed with a rifle.

“The officer gave several commands to Rauch to drop the rifle,” according to a news release Thursday from the Lake County Major Crime Task Force. “Rauch pointed the rifle at the officer and the officer fired at Rauch.”

Rauch was pronounced dead at the scene.

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The rifle recovered at the scene was determined to be a Crosman Nitro Piston Powered .177 Caliber Air Rifle (Model # 3-CF4NP17S) with a 4x32 mm scope. The air rifle replicates a fully functional rifle capable of firing larger caliber rounds, police said.

Major Crime Task Force spokesman Christopher Covelli said it was not the first time police had been called to the home.

“Officers have been called to the house on numerous occasions throughout the years, for a variety of calls, including several domestic-related incidents,” Covelli told the Daily Herald.
The police officer involved in the shooting was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. He’s been treated and released.

The Lake County Major Crime Task Force is conducting an independent investigation into the officer-involved shooting, according to a news release. Once their investigation is complete, information obtained will be forwarded to the Lake County State’s Attorney for his review and final determination.

PHOTO VIA SHUTTERSTOCK