Crime & Safety
Iroquois County, IL Deputy Shoots Knife-Wielding Man Wednesday
Onarga, IL – A 29 year old man was shot by an Iroquois County sheriff's deputy Wednesday evening after allegedly charging at officers with a knife during a call for a psychological evaluation at a res
By Jordan Mercer · 2026-10-29T10:32:34.135Z
Onarga, IL – A 29 year old man was shot by an Iroquois County sheriff 's deputy Wednesday evening after allegedly charging at officers with a knife during a call for a psychological evaluation at a residence in Onarga.
According to an October 29 news release from the Iroquois County Sheriff's Police, deputies responded Wednesday, October 28, to a residence at 213 N. Chestnut St. after receiving a report involving Julian Munoz, 29, who was reportedly inside the home and needed a psychological evaluation.
When deputies arrived, they encountered Munoz on the roof of the residence. Sheriff's officials said he was armed with a knife and was damaging property, including glass windows.
Deputies reportedly communicated with Munoz and persuaded him to return inside the residence and come down from the roof.
Authorities said deputies attempted to further de escalate the situation but were unsuccessful.
According to the sheriff's department, Munoz then allegedly charged at deputies while holding the knife, prompting one deputy to discharge a firearm and strike him.
Following the shooting, deputies immediately requested emergency medical services and provided aid to Munoz at the scene.
Munoz was transported to Riverside hospital for treatment. Officials did not disclose the extent of his injuries or provide an updated medical condition in Thursday's release.
The sheriff's department stated that Munoz is expected to face an aggravated assault charge following his release from the hospital. Authorities said he would then be returned to the Iroquois County Jail pending a court appearance and pretrial detention hearing.
Illinois State Police Zone 5 investigators and the Illinois State Police Crime Scene Unit were requested to investigate the shooting.
The sheriff's department did not identify the deputy involved or indicate whether any deputies were injured.
The investigation remains ongoing, with additional findings not yet publicly released.