O'FALLON, Ill. - O’Fallon Police Chief Kirk Brueggeman said he is seeking to clarify information about an officer-involved shooting in August.
In a message from Chief Brueggeman, the O’Fallon Police Department said Officer Brett Johnson responded Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, to what the chief described as “a serious domestic disturbance involving a male armed with a knife who was actively attacking two family members.” Brueggeman said Johnson arrived at a residence and “observed a male chasing two females through a front yard,” adding that “the two females were injured and clearly in distress.”
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Brueggeman said Johnson exited his patrol vehicle and “placed himself between the armed individual and the two victims,” issuing “clear and repeated commands for the male to stop and drop the weapon.” Brueggeman said the individual “refused to comply and continued advancing,” and that Johnson “took decisive action to protect innocent lives.”
The chief said the case was “immediately turned over to the Illinois State Police,” which conducted what he called “a full and thorough investigation complete with both in-car and body camera review.” Brueggeman said the investigation was released to the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office, which on Nov. 25, 2025, “announced no charges against the officer involved in the incident.”
“We had no involvement in the timing of the Illinois State Police video release and were not aware of the public release date until earlier this week,” Brueggeman said.
Brueggeman said that last week, during the O’Fallon Police Department’s Annual Awards Banquet, he presented Johnson with both the O’Fallon Police Department and the Illinois FOP Medals of Valor for his actions.
“This award does not celebrate the loss of a life; it honors and recognizes the courage, professionalism, and sound judgement that Officer Johnson displayed that day,” Brueggeman said. “I have no doubt his actions saved the lives of two domestic violence victims. I am proud of Officer Johnson’s service to our community.”
