Collinsville, Illinois – A man was fatally shot in an attempted home invasion in Collinsville on Tuesday night, authorities reported. The incident took place around 6 p.m. in the 500 block of St. Louis Rd., where responding officers discovered the body of 31-year-old Jonathan Gagen.
According to police, Gagen was attempting to break into the residence when the homeowner defended himself by using a firearm. Residents in the area expressed shock over the tragic event, highlighting concerns about safety both inside homes and on the streets.
Investigators noted that Gagen was not known to the homeowners and had refused to leave the front porch of the property. The resident, feeling threatened, resorted to using a firearm after the suspect insisted on entering the home.
Neighbors like Dwayne Tate and Chris Meeks shared their thoughts on the incident, expressing fear and uncertainty about the proximity of such violence. The circumstances leading Gagen to the residence remain unclear, prompting authorities to hand over the case to the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office.
The involvement of a resident employed with the Collinsville Police Department has added complexity to the investigation, as officials work to gather more information and piece together the events that transpired. The tragic shooting has left the community grappling with the aftermath, raising questions about safety and security in the neighborhood.