Local News

Trooper Killed After Attempting to Execute Search Warrant

Mon, 26 Aug 2019 12:49:49 CDT

A State Police trooper was killed in the line of duty on Friday after attempting to execute a search warrant in East St. Louis.

Trooper Nicholas Hopkins was pronounced dead as a result of his injuries at 6:10 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 23. He was 33.

According to the Illinois State Police, Hopkins was executing a search warrant at 5:26 a.m. at a residence in the 1400 block of North 42nd Street. During an exchange of gunfire, he was shot and was taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. Acting State Police Director Brendan Kelly announced Hopkins had succumbed to his injuries Friday evening.

“It is with profound heartache and unfathomable sadness that we inform you of the death of Trooper Nicholas Hopkins,” Kelly said. “Trooper Hopkins laid down his life while protecting the citizens of this state. We are asking the public to respectfully give consideration to the family of Trooper Hopkins and the ISP while we continue to grieve and work through this tragedy."

Hopkins was a 10-year veteran of the State Police. The incident remains under investigation.