Todd Edward Pearce, 30, of Centralia, Illinois, died on October 17, 2023, after an officer-involved shooting during a welfare check in the 500 block of Meadowbrook Lane. Officers say they gained consent to search the home, found Pearce in the basement armed with a knife, and that he attacked officers. Less lethal tools were used first but reportedly failed to stop the attack; an officer then fired, striking Pearce. He received immediate on-scene treatment and EMS life-saving measures but did not survive. One officer suffered a shoulder knife wound and was treated and released.

Pearce was identified by Marion County Coroner Troy Cannon; an autopsy was scheduled at the Champaign County Coroner’s office. At the time he was wanted for a violation of a court order and had recently been charged with two counts of misdemeanor domestic battery, posting a $1,000 cash bond on September 18. The Illinois State Police took over the investigation, which remained active in initial reports. Memorials are being accepted at Irvin Macz Funeral Home; he is survived by his son Jamison, his sister Elizabeth, nephews Karsen and Kendall, and the child’s mother Clarissa Curtner.

Are there witnesses or local readers who can share what they know about the events at Meadowbrook Lane that evening?