Update: 8/10/2025 10:15 a.m.

An email from Illinois State Police this morning indicated no updates were available.

Mayor Dan Dickey of Gibson City released a statement to WCIA.

“We are very thankful for all of our police officers, especially those involved in the incident earlier Saturday morning. Our prayers go out to our officers who were wounded in the line of duty as well as their families as we pray for their speedy and full recovery.  

Yesterday’s incident is a reminder to everyone that the police risk their lives each and every day to protect and serve each and every one of us.  We appreciate the response and support of the GCPD, Ford County Sheriff’s Department, the Illinois State Police and other agencies involved in the ongoing investigation and have full confidence that they will continue to keep our community safe. 

We would also like to give all First Responders a heartfelt thanks for their service and dedication to our community. 

Mayor Daniel Dickey

Update at 4:53 p.m.

GIBSON CITY, Ill. (WCIA) — The Gibson City Fire Department has been called back to the fire/crime scene on Ash Street for a rekindling of the house fire, Fire Chief Bruce Kallal said.

There is no further information available at this time.

This is a developing story. We will share updates as we learn more.

Update at 4:25 p.m.

GIBSON CITY, Ill. (WCIA) — Multiple Central Illinois fire response units were on the scene of a house fire early Saturday morning that started shortly after and at the same scene as where two officers were shot in Gibson City. The whereabouts of the suspect remain unknown.

According to Gibson City Fire Chief Bruce Kallal, the Gibson City Fire Department was dispatched at approximately 3 a.m. to stand by for a structure fire with an unsecured scene at 146 W Ash Street. The department requested mutual aid from Sibley, Elliott and Melvin/Roberts due to what appeared to be a fully involved residential structure.

The Gibson City Fire Department then coordinated with law enforcement and were allowed to proceed into the scene a short time later. Along with its mutual aid partners, Gibson City Fire was able to complete extinguishment of the original house as well as the fire that extended into 142 W Ash Street.

The original structure at 146 W Ash Street was deemed a total loss and the estimated damages for the house are $175,000. The residence at 142 W Ash Street had a detached garage which was also deemed a total loss, as well as some fire extension into the actual house. On this property, damages are estimated at $50,000.

After extinguishment efforts were completed, Gibson City Fire teams assisted the Illinois State Fire Marshal and Illinois State Police with search and investigation of the original structure. Paxton Fire was then added for mutual aid during this operation for additional manpower.

In total, there were approximately 30 firefighters at the scene as well as 14 apparatus. The scene was cleared by Gibson City Fire at 1:30 p.m.

The investigation into this incident remains ongoing.

This is a developing story. We will share updates as we learn more.

Update at 3:35 p.m.

GIBSON CITY, Ill. (WCIA) — Illinois State Police is continuing its investigation into an incident where two officers were shot early Saturday morning in Gibson City. The suspect’s whereabouts are currently unknown, and police are considering him “armed and dangerous.”

On Aug. 9 at approximately 2:31 a.m., officers from the Gibson City Police Department and the Ford County Sheriff’s Department responded to the report of a naked man, identified as 70-year-old David D. Jordan of Gibson City. Jordan was walking outside in the 100 block of Ash Street.

Upon attempting to make contact with Jordan at his residence, officers were met with gunfire. A Gibson City Police officer and a Ford County Sheriff’s deputy were struck by the gunfire. Both were then transported to local hospitals and treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Shortly after the shooting, the house caught fire.

Additionally, Jordan was last seen at this residence, and his whereabouts are currently unknown. He was last seen unclothed and is considered to be armed and dangerous.

Anyone who sees Jordan is asked not to approach him and call 911 immediately. For any information on his whereabouts, contact the Gibson City Police Department at 217-784-8666.

The Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 5 is investigating this incident at the request of both the Gibson City Police Department and the Ford County Sheriff’s Department. This investigation remains ongoing. When complete, State Police will submit all evidence and facts for review to the Ford County State’s Attorney’s Office.

No additional information is available at this time.

This is a developing story. We will share updates as we learn more.

Update at 1:40 p.m.

GIBSON CITY, Ill. (WCIA) — In a follow-up email with WCIA, Illinois State Police withdrew their initial statement of the public not being at risk, as their investigation continues in Gibson City.

At approximately 1:28 p.m., State Police retracted their initial statement of there being no active danger to the public and said their investigation is “evolving.” They also said they will provide updates as soon as they can regarding this incident.

This is a developing story. We will share updates as we learn more.

Update at 12:55 p.m.

GIBSON CITY, Ill. (WCIA) — Illinois State Police has confirmed with WCIA there is “no active danger to the public” in regards to the Gibson City house fire under investigation.

At approximately 12:53 p.m., State Police said they can confirm there is no active danger to the public at this time. They are continuing to investigate this situation and will provide updates when they are available.

Additionally, a neighboring structure caught fire and the garage became severely dilapidated. A neighbor in the area said the garage had been built recently.

This is a developing story. We will share updates as we learn more.

Update at 9:50 a.m.

GIBSON CITY, Ill. (WCIA) — The Ford County Coroner is now at the scene of the aftermath of a house fire in Gibson City, a WCIA reporter said.

At approximately 9:45 a.m., a WCIA reporter on scene said the Ford County Coroner is now at the scene of the house fire that took place in the 100 block of Ash Street on the south side of town. At this time, the house is mostly burned down and agencies are looking through the rubble.

The following agencies are confirmed to still be on scene:

• Gibson City Police Department
• Ford County Sheriff’s Office
• Paxton Police Department
• Roberts Fire Department
• Roberts-Melvin Fire Protection District
• Gibson City Fire Department
• Illinois State Police
• Illinois State Fire Marshal

Additionally, five fire engines currently remain at the scene of the dilapidated structure.

WCIA has reached out to State Police, who is leading this investigation, for more information, but has not immediately heard back. There is no further information available at this time.

This is a developing story. We will share updates as we learn more.

Update at 8:35 a.m.

GIBSON CITY, Ill. (WCIA) — Our WCIA crew said police have reopened the main highways in town. We are awaiting a statement from Illinois State Police on more about what happened.

This is a developing story. We will share updates as we learn more.

GIBSON CITY, Ill. (WCIA) – A heavy police presence is happening in Gibson City this morning.

Illinois State Police is leading the investigation. A State Fire Marshall vehicle also arrived to the scene around 7:30 a.m.

A WCIA crew on scene learned there was a house fire in the 100 block of Ash Street on the south side of town.

Just after 4:00 a.m, a law enforcement officer told a WCIA employees they were looking for an armed individual and our employee should, “go home now and lock up your doors.”

Our WCIA crew on scene this morning is witnessing a large police presence with multiple agencies: Illinois State Police, Paxton Police, Gibson City Police, Ford County Sheriff’s Office, IDOT, Gibson City Public Works and multiple fire departments are on scene.

Several Roads in Gibson City are closed this morning, including Route 9 from Dairy Queen to Mark’s on First, and Route 47 from Subway to 1 mile south of town. Sangamon Avenue is also closed from H&R Block south. Most businesses in the south part of town are closed. Drivers should avoid the area until further notice.

A flight tracking software indicated that this morning, an Illinois State Police Aircraft was flying over the scene. Our crew on scene also witnessed this plane making circles over town.

The City of Gibson posted on their Facebook page that due to the fire, brown or discolored water is possible today. Those experiencing issues with their water are asked to run their cold water until it clears.

The response continues this morning with multiple agencies involved and investigating on scene.

This is a developing story. We will share updates as we learn more.