No charges for police in Loves Park shooting of armed man

LOVES PARK, Ill. (WTVO) — No charges will be filed against five police officers who shot a man threatening them with what appeared to be an “AK”-style rifle in February.

On Wednesday, February 26th, 2025, around 10:57 p.m., officers responded to the 500 block of River Lane and learned Matthew Allison had been acting erratically and was armed with an “AK”-style rifle, and walked away from the residence.

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The officers initiated a search of the area and located the suspect near the 600 block of Sheridan Drive. Police say the man was holding a long rifle and threatening to harm himself.

According to the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office, which reviewed officer-worn bodycam footage, officers attempted to de-escalate the situation through conversation, but Allison pointed the rifle at them, prompting officers to discharge their service weapons.

Nearly 40 rounds were fired, investigators said.

Allison suffered six gunshot wounds to his groin, abdomen, and left arm. He was immediately transported to a local hospital, where he underwent surgery. No officers were injured.

The subsequent investigation by the Winnebago-Boone County Task Force revealed that Allison had a reported history of drug abuse, mental health issues, and suicide attempts. An ex-girlfriend told authorities that he was in possession of a fake “AK” rifle that shot water pellets.

A text conversation with a family member reportedly revealed that Allison intended to “take his fake AK rifle a couple blocks down to the police station and get himself killed.”

The State’s Attorney’s office concluded the investigation Tuesday, ruling the officers’ use of deadly force justified in the reasonable threat of great bodily harm, and will not file criminal charges against them.

Allison is charged with aggravated assault to a peace officer. His next court appearance is on October 2nd, 2025.