Todd Edward Pearce, a 30-year-old resident of Centralia, Illinois, died on October 17, 2023, following an officer-involved shooting. The incident occurred when a Centralia Police Officer responded to a home in the 500 block of Meadowbrook Lane for a welfare check. After gaining consent to search the residence, officers located Pearce in the basement, where he was reportedly armed with a knife and attacked the officers.
During the confrontation, less lethal force options were initially utilized but proved unsuccessful in stopping the attack. An officer subsequently discharged their weapon, striking Pearce, who succumbed to his injuries. One of the officers involved in the incident sustained a knife wound to the shoulder and received medical treatment, but was later released.
Pearce was identified by Marion County Coroner Troy Cannon, and an autopsy was scheduled to be completed at the Champaign County Coroner’s office. At the time of the incident, Pearce was wanted in connection with a violation of a court order. Online Marion County Court records indicated that he had been formally charged with two counts of misdemeanor domestic battery and had posted a $1,000 cash bond on September 18, just a week prior to the incident.
The investigation into the shooting was immediately turned over to the Illinois State Police, with the case remaining active and ongoing as of the initial reports. Officers provided immediate treatment to Pearce after the shooting, and EMS subsequently took over life-saving measures, though these efforts were ultimately unsuccessful.
Todd Edward Pearce was born on March 7, 1993, to Alvin and Rebecca (Bond) Pearce. He is survived by his son, Jamison Pearce of Salem; his sister, Elizabeth Pearce of Centralia; his nephews, Karsen and Kendall Pearce; and the mother of his child, Clarissa Curtner. Memorials in his name can be made to the Donor's Choice and will be accepted at Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia.
