Video Released on Charleston Fatal Shooting Incident

The Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 5 continues its investigation into a shooting in Coles County on January 25, 2025. ​

Shortly after 1 a.m., Charleston Police officers responded to a request for a well-being check of a man, later identified as 22-year-old Yahacov Dennis of Country Club Hills at a gas station at 200 W. Lincoln Ave. in Charleston. ​While talking with officers, Dennis grabbed an officer’s firearm, which Dennis then used to shoot himself. ​Emergency medical personnel were called to provide aid and Dennis was transported to Carle Hospital in Urbana and pronounced deceased.

In accordance with ISP’s commitment to integrity and public transparency, the video of the event is being made available to the public and can be found by clicking https://youtu.be/amt5filjzqQ.

This video is being released after consultation with and authorization by the Coles County State’s Attorney. ​ ISP provided Dennis’ family the opportunity to review the video before its release to the public.

This remains an ongoing investigation being conducted by ISP and is under review by the Coles County State’s Attorney’s Office. ​No additional information is available at this time.