Illinois State Police say the driver hit a squad car and accelerated toward a trooper before shots were fired.
EAST ST. LOUIS, IL — An Illinois State Police trooper shot and killed a woman late Sunday after an attempted traffic stop of a reported stolen vehicle near the 4500 block of South State Street, authorities said. The shooting happened about 10:08 p.m. outside a convenience store, and the driver, identified as 40-year-old Rachel E. Tarrence of Maryville, was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
Illinois State Police said troopers moved to stop the vehicle Sunday night during a stolen-vehicle investigation in East St. Louis. Preliminary information released Monday states the driver reversed into an ISP squad car, then drove toward a trooper. The trooper fired into the vehicle, striking the driver. Emergency crews were called, and troopers provided first aid before an ambulance took the woman to a local hospital, where she died. The trooper is on administrative status while the Division of Internal Investigation reviews the shooting, a routine step in such cases. Officials did not report any other injuries. The case will be referred to prosecutors for review when the agency’s investigation is complete.
According to the agency’s initial timeline, troopers encountered the vehicle near a convenience store on South State Street shortly after 10 p.m. As they attempted a stop, the driver put the car in reverse and hit a state police vehicle, then accelerated toward a trooper standing nearby, the agency said in its statement. The trooper fired several rounds, striking the driver. A second trooper radioed for EMS at the scene. “Preliminary information indicates the driver struck a squad car and drove toward a trooper,” the agency said. Tarrence was taken by ambulance and later pronounced dead. Her identity and age were confirmed by authorities Monday. The trooper’s name has not been released, consistent with the agency’s practice during active investigations.
The Division of Internal Investigation, which examines police uses of force statewide, is leading the inquiry. The review will include interviews with troopers and witnesses, examination of in-car and nearby security video if available, ballistics analysis, and collection of physical evidence from the scene and the vehicle. Officials did not say whether body-worn or dash camera video captured the encounter. Investigators also did not specify the make or model of the reported stolen car or when it was first flagged as stolen. No additional occupants were reported in the vehicle. As of Monday evening, state police had not released information about the number of shots fired, how many times Tarrence was hit, or the hospital where she was pronounced dead.
East St. Louis and the surrounding Metro East area are regularly patrolled by state police alongside local departments. In recent years, state police have conducted targeted operations in the region and responded to violent crime and traffic interdiction along major corridors. Sunday’s incident unfolded along South State Street, a commercial strip where small shops and convenience stores sit near residential blocks and highway access. The area has frequent traffic in the evening hours, according to residents, and lighting comes from storefronts and streetlights. While officer-involved shootings are investigated by the state police’s internal unit, prosecutors in St. Clair County typically review the findings to determine whether the use of force was legally justified under Illinois law, which permits deadly force under limited circumstances, including when an officer reasonably believes it is necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm.
Administratively, the involved trooper has been placed on paid leave pending the outcome of the investigation. That process generally includes a preliminary evidence review, followed by a full case file forwarded to the St. Clair County State’s Attorney for charging consideration, if any, and public release of additional records once legally permitted. Authorities did not provide a timeline for completing the review. An autopsy for Tarrence was expected to be scheduled through the county coroner’s office; results typically include cause and manner of death and may take additional time pending toxicology. Separate from the criminal review, the agency can conduct a policy compliance assessment to determine whether training and procedures were followed during the stop.
On Monday, the store’s parking lot showed standard evidence markers and crime scene tape as detectives documented tire paths and vehicle positions. A woman who lives a block away said she heard “two quick pops” and saw police lights flood the corner within seconds. She declined to give her name, saying she was concerned about drawing attention to her family. A man who arrived later to buy groceries found the lot sealed and said he watched troopers speak with several bystanders. “It was quiet, then suddenly there were sirens everywhere,” he said. Illinois State Police did not release 911 audio or dispatch logs Monday. No public briefing was scheduled in person, but the agency provided updates by news release and said additional details would be released as they are confirmed.
As of late Monday, investigators had not named the trooper, described the trooper’s tenure, or said how many officers were present when shots were fired. The investigation remains in the evidence-collection phase. Officials said further updates would be issued when significant developments occur or when the case file is submitted to prosecutors for review.
Author note: Last updated January 6, 2026.