SHERIDAN, Ill. (WGN) — Police have taken a suspect into custody after shots were fired and a subsequent fire took place Thursday morning in Sheridan. Two people were found dead.
Shortly after 6 p.m. CT, the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) said they took 45-year-old Ronald W. Martin into custody. He was taken into custody without incident after they found him hiding on property owned by his family.
“The threat has been taken away. He’s off the street and he’s in custody,” LaSalle County undersheriff David Ortiz said.
A warrant was issued for his arrest around 5:50 p.m., and police said Martin will be charged with six combined counts of murder and attempted murder once he is booked.
Earlier in the morning, local authorities identified Martin, a Sheridan resident, as a suspect wanted in connection with an incident where two people were found dead and a third injured at a home in Sheridan where a fire also broke out.
Police allege Martin intentionally set the fire.
An autopsy for the two people found dead is scheduled for Friday morning. Ortiz said DNA and dental records might need to be used to identify the victims.
Officers were called to the 4200 block of East 2551st Road just after 12:50 a.m. on the report of shots fired.
Approximately 25 minutes later, a 911 caller told dispatch a fire was taking place at the same residence.
“[There were] flashing lights. The streets were closed off and there were cars up and down the road,” said Nancy Stadler, a Sheridan resident who witnessed law enforcement respond to the scene.
After authorities arrived and put out the fire, two adults were found dead inside the home. It’s unknown if they died from a shooting or the fire at this time.
A man was taken to the hospital as a result of the incident. They were not shot. Another witness was inside the home at the time of the incident, and they called 911.
The US Marshals are involved with the investigation along with the Illinois State Fire Marshal.
LCSO officials said Martin could make his first court appearance as soon as Friday.
