Johnnie Russell

Deadly force

Police shot and killed Johnnie Russell during a 4.5 hour standoff at Provena Mercy Medical Center. Police sealed off the fifth floor of the hospital at around 8:30 a.m., after a patient, identified as Russell, allegedly pointed a gun at an officer. Officers persuaded Russell to release a 71-year-old patient in the room with him, police said. The standoff ended when Russell opened the door and allegedly raised the gun, prompting an officer in the hallway to open fire. Police then released pepper spray into the room before entering and finding Russell dead on the floor.