Two Illinois state troopers shot in drug raid; suspect dies

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Two Illinois State Police troopers were shot Thursday in Southern Illinois as they served a search warrant in a drug case by a suspect who was fatally shot by officers, authorities said.

The troopers' injuries were not considered life-threatening, said trooper David Sneed.

The men were part of a group serving a drug search warrant at a rural Williamson County home Thursday morning when the shootout occurred, Sneed said.

Officers announced who they were but a man inside the house, identified as 61-year-old William Patrich, opened fire and struck two troopers, officials said. Officers then shot Patrich.

"We regret Mr. Patrich made the decision to confront our officers with deadly force. We understand the loss of any life can be difficult," state police said in a release.

A message left at a telephone listing for William Patrich in Williamson County was not immediately returned Thursday evening.

The injured troopers were taken to Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, Sneed said. A hospital spokesman declined to discuss their conditions.

The other officers involved will be placed on administrative duty while an investigation into the shootings takes place, Sneed said.