HR0116

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HOUSE RESOLUTION


 
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    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of 
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Representatives are pleased to congratulate Joliet Police 
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Officer James Schnura for receiving the Officer of the Year 
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Award from the Exchange Club of Joliet; and

 
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    WHEREAS, On April 11, 2008, Officer Schnura responded to a 
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domestic disturbance call; the suspect had left the scene so 
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Officer Schnura began working on his report after moving his 
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squad car down the street to keep a watch over the victim's 
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residence; and

 
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    WHEREAS, During the completion of his report and as Officer 
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Schnura received a dispatch that the suspect had returned, he 
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noticed the suspect chasing the victim down the street with a 
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knife in his hand; and

 
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    WHEREAS, Officer Schnura left his car, drew his gun, and 
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gave commands to the suspect in both English and Spanish to 
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drop the knife; without acknowledgement of his commands by the 
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suspect, Officer Schnura repeated his commands to drop the 
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knife at least four more times; and

 
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    WHEREAS, Believing that the suspect was going to kill the 
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victim as he moved the knife across her throat while crouching 
 


 






HR0116
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LRB096 11401 KXB 22170 r




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on the ground behind her, Officer Schnura fired one round at 
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the suspect, striking him; and
 
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    WHEREAS, Though wounded, the suspect retained the knife and 
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prepared to drive the knife into the victim's neck; again 
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fearing for the victim's life, Officer Schnura fired two more 
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shots, mortally wounding the suspect and freeing the victim 
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from the vicious attack; and
 
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    WHEREAS, The victim was later interviewed and told 
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detectives that she believed she would have died if not for the 
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intervention of Officer Schnura; and

 
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    WHEREAS, The Exchange Club of Joliet selected Officer 
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Schnura for his bravery and protection of the community; 
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therefore, be it

 
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    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 
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NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we 
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congratulate Officer James Schnura and wish him the best for 
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the future; and be it further

 
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    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be 
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presented to Joliet Police Officer James Schnura as a symbol of 
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our respect and esteem.