A Kane County Sheriff’s deputy was cleared Friday of any wrongdoing in the shooting death of an armed suspect during an incident in July 2024.
On Friday, Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie L. Mosser concluded her review of an investigation into the officer-involved death of 18-year-old Tyquaze Nicolas that occurred on July 8, 2024. The investigation found no wrongdoing on the part of the off-duty Kane County Sheriff’s Deputy, or any officer, and the review of the matter is now considered closed.
A detailed investigation of the July 8, 2024 incident was conducted by the Kane County Major Crimes Task Force who presented it to the Kane County State’s Attorney pursuant to the Police and Community Relations Improvement Act.
According to the investigtation, on July 8, 2024, at approximately 4:34pm, an off-duty Kane County Sheriff’s deputy was in his personal vehicle travelling northbound on Illinois Route 31 in Elgin heading towards National Drive. While the deputy was off duty at the time of the incident, he was still a sworn officer legally entitled to carry his weapons. The deputy saw Nicolas involved in a multi-person fight that traveled in front of his vehicle. The investigation showed Nicolas, two other suspects and a juvenile pursuing and attacking two victims. Nicolas was armed with a Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22.
The Deputy got out of his vehicle and announced that he was law enforcement. As Nicolas continued in the escalation of the threat while armed, the deputy believed that Nicolas was going to shoot one of the individuals involved in the fight, and, as a result of that determination, the deputy shot Nicolas.
The Deputy immediately began administering medical aid to Nicolas, during which time one of the other suspects attempted to interfere with Nicolas’s body and the crime scene. Members of the Elgin Police Department soon arrived and eventually took over the life-sustaining measures until Elgin Paramedics arrived.
In addition, on Friday Mosser announced the indictments of two individuals in relation to the incident. A grand jury has indicted a 22-year old South Elgin man for the offenses of Armed violence, a Class X felony; Aggravated battery, a Class 3 felony (2 counts); Aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, a Class 4 felony (2 counts); Mob action – use of force or violence disturbing the peace, a Class 4 felony; and Obstructing justice, a Class 4 felony.
A grand jury has also indicted a 23-year-old Elgin man for the offenses of Armed violence, a Class X felony; Aggravated battery, a Class 3 felony (2 counts); Aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, a Class 4 felony (2 counts); and Mob action – use of force or violence disturbing the peace, a Class 4 felony.
The defendants appeared in court today for pretrial detention hearings where the State’s petitions for their detentions were denied. Both were released under conditions imposed by the court. Their next court appearance is scheduled for March 12, 2025, in Courtroom 313 at the Kane County Judicial Center.
The State’s Attorney’s Office is preparing charges against a third defendant who is a juvenile.
“Thank you to the Kane County Major Crimes Task Force for their diligent and thorough investigation into this incident,” Mosser commented in a statement. “Thank you also to the Elgin Police Department and the Kane County Sheriff’s Office for their critical support and transparency throughout this process. Every case involving an officer-involved death must be examined with the utmost scrutiny to ensure public trust in law enforcement and to protect the civil rights of all parties involved. After a comprehensive review of the investigation into this tragic event, it is evident that the Sheriff’s Deputy acted in accordance with Illinois law. The evidence clearly demonstrates that his actions were both appropriate and justified under the circumstances.”
“This incident highlights the devastating consequences that can arise when conflicts escalate into violence. The actions of these defendants and the deceased contributed to an increasingly dangerous situation, putting multiple lives at risk and leading to a tragic loss of life. The charges brought against these defendants reflect the seriousness of their alleged roles in escalating the violence. While the Deputy acted to protect others from harm, the events leading to this outcome serve as a sobering reminder of the need for accountability and the far-reaching impact of violence in our communities. We remain committed to seeking justice and ensuring the safety of all residents.”
