© 2024 WGLT
A public service of Illinois State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Sheriff Asks U.S. Marshals For Security Review After Courthouse Stabbing

Ryan Denham
/
WGLT
McLean County Sheriff Jon Sandage during an event at Illinois State University.

McLean County Sheriff Jon Sandage said Thursday he’s asked the U.S. Marshals to review courthouse security after a defendant snuck a knife into the building and stabbed himself after being convicted of a sex crime. 

Johnny Icard, 78, is expected to survive Wednesday’s incident. But authorities want to know how he got the 3.5-inch folding knife through the McLean County Law and Justice metal detector. Icard was free on bond before Wednesday’s conviction.

“Obviously there was a failure somewhere along the line,” Sandage said. “So we’re looking at how that occurred and how we can correct that so it doesn’t happen again.”

The county has asked the U.S. Marshals to conduct a security assessment of the courthouse, Sandage said. The last U.S. Marshals assessment—which is free—was 15 years ago, he said.

“Some things were added and corrected then. We’re due for another look and some fresh eyes. We’ll see what the recommendations are,” Sandage said.

Sandage said authorities want to talk to Icard after he’s released from the hospital.

“We try to review security procedures on an annual basis, but there are some things that pop up, and fortunately no innocent people were injured in this. We will definitely learn from it and correct what needs to be corrected,” Sandage said.

People like you value experienced, knowledgeable and award-winning journalism that covers meaningful stories in Bloomington-Normal. To support more stories and interviews like this one, please consider making a contribution.

Eric Stock is the News Director at WGLT. You can contact Eric at ejstoc1@ilstu.edu.
Ryan Denham is the digital content director for WGLT.
Related Content