at approximately
7:43 p.m., O’Fallon Police were called in the 600 block of West Madison Street regarding “a disturbance” and a man armed with a knife. The call prompted officers to respond quickly, treating the situation as an active and dangerous assault rather than a routine disturbance.
When the first officer arrived, the violence was already unfolding outside. Two victims, later identified as the man’s wife and stepdaughter, were fleeing the property, both covered in blood from stab wounds. Behind them was 53-year-old Matthew Blanke, still holding a knife and moving through the front yard.
An officer confronted Blanke and repeatedly ordered him to drop the weapon. When Blanke continued advancing, the officer opened fire, striking him. Blanke fell to the ground as additional officers rushed in to provide medical assistance. Despite life-saving efforts, Blanke was pronounced dead at the scene. The two injured individuals were transported to a hospital and treated for stab wounds that were not considered life-threatening.
No officers were hurt during the encounter. The O’Fallon Police Department requested that Illinois State Police conduct the investigation, which was later reviewed by the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors announced on November 25 that the shooting was justified under the law and that no criminal charges would be filed.
