BENTON – Benton Police and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a gunshot striking a house in the 400 block of North 10th Street in Benton late Wednesday morning.
When they arrived, a house across the street was on fire. Smoke from the fire prevented police from going inside. Neighbors were evacuated for their safety during this time.
Benton firefighters extinguished the fire. Police went inside the home and found one person dead with several guns near him. His name is not being released until family members are notified. No other injuries were reported.
The Illinois State Police Crime Scene was called to process the scene. Evidence was collected and the investigation continues pending an autopsy by the Franklin County Coroner’s office.
The sheriff’s office along with Illinois State Police, the Illinois State Fire Marshal, and the Benton, West Frankfort and West City Fire Department assisted.
Police say there is no danger to the public at this time.