East St. Louis, IL – Illinois State Police on Sunday released video footage from a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred earlier this month during a stolen vehicle investigation in East St. Louis.
According to Illinois State Police, the incident happened January 4, 2026, at approximately 10:08 p.m. in the 4500 block of South State Street, where troopers were investigating reports of a stolen vehicle at a convenience store.
Police said the driver, 40-year-old Rachel E. Tarrence of Maryville, Illinois, stopped her vehicle before allegedly putting it into reverse and striking an ISP squad car. Troopers outside their vehicles gave commands for Tarrence to show her hands and place the vehicle in park, according to investigators.
ISP stated Tarrence allegedly did not comply and instead drove forward. A trooper then fired his weapon, striking Tarrence. Investigators estimate approximately eight seconds passed between the squad car being hit and shots being fired.
Troopers immediately called EMS and began rendering medical aid, police said. Tarrence was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced deceased.
Two passengers inside the vehicle — an adult male and a child — were not injured in either the crash or the shooting. No troopers were injured.
The Illinois State Police Division of Internal Investigation is leading the case in accordance with the Police and Community Relations Improvement Act. All evidence is being reviewed by the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office.
ISP said the involved trooper has been placed on administrative status pending the outcome of the investigation. The released video includes footage from squad and body-worn cameras and was made public following consultation with prosecutors. Tarrence’s family was given the opportunity to view the video prior to its release.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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