An Eastern Illinois University student died after “disarming” a police officer over the weekend in downstate Charleston, police said.
Charleston police officers were conducting a well-being check on a man who called 911 requesting assistance in the 200 block of West Lincoln Avenue about 1 a.m. Saturday.
When officers arrived, they encountered Yahacov Dennis, 22. “A rapidly evolving event” then took place, and Dennis disarmed a police officer of his gun before turning it on himself and firing, police said.
Dennis, of southwest suburban Country Club Hills, was taken to Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana and pronounced dead, police and the Champaign County coroner said.
The coroner’s office would not comment on the autopsy results.
In a message shared on X, state Rep. Kam Buckner, Dennis’ cousin, said he was devastated by the loss.
“While there are still more questions than answers, one thing that is certain is how deeply we loved him,” Buckner said.
We are devastated by the loss of my younger cousin Yaya, a bright & kind soul. While there are still more questions than answers, one thing that is certain is how deeply we loved him.
You send your kids to school dreaming of their future, imagining them coming back in a cap &… https://t.co/kEK2Z04R3b
— Rep.Kam Buckner ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ (@RepKamBuckner) January 28, 2025
Dennis was a junior computer science major at the university.
“Earlier this weekend, we and the entire Charleston community were saddened to learn EIU student Yahacov Dennis passed away,” the university said in a statement sent to the campus community Sunday.
“Consistent with University protocol, EIU is unable to comment or share additional information while the off-campus incident continues to be investigated by the Illinois State Police. However, we understand classmates, friends and colleagues of Mr. Dennis may be personally impacted by this tragic news and in need of immediate support. We encourage anyone impacted to please reach out for any assistance they may need.”