ALTON — Alton Police have identified a man killed in a shooting and the suspect in an hourslong standoff that began early Thursday, July 16, 2026, at a home in the 600 block of Leonard Street, where investigators say Derek A. Scroggins, 48, of Piasa, unlawfully entered the residence and shot John W. Booth, 44, of Granite City.
Officers were dispatched at about 12:38 a.m. Thursday, July 16, 2026, after a report of shots fired inside the home, according to the Alton Police Department. When officers arrived, they established a perimeter after learning that other individuals besides Scroggins were inside the residence.
Police said Booth, Scroggins, and a female resident knew one another.
Because of the circumstances, the Metro East SWAT Team was called in to assist. During the operation, the female resident made it out safely. SWAT personnel then entered the residence and found Booth suffering from an apparent gunshot wound, while Scroggins remained barricaded in a separate area of the home.
Booth was removed from the residence and taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Police said the Metro East SWAT Team continued efforts to safely end the standoff, but Scroggins fired multiple shots toward officers and equipment during the incident.
At about 8:55 a.m., officers at the scene heard a single gunshot from inside the residence, police said. Officers then observed that Scroggins was no longer moving and entered to render aid. Police said Scroggins showed no signs of life.
The Alton Police Department Criminal Investigation Division, assisted by the Illinois State Police Crime Scene Investigation Unit, processed the scene after obtaining a court-authorized search warrant earlier that morning.
“I want to commend the professionalism and dedication displayed by our officers and the members of the Metro East SWAT Team throughout this difficult incident,” Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said. “They were faced with a dangerous and evolving situation, and their priority remained protecting life, limiting further harm to others, and bringing the incident to a conclusion in the safest manner possible. I also want to extend my condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Booth.”
The Alton Police Department also thanked the Metro East SWAT Team, Illinois State Police, Madison County Coroner’s Office, Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office and the Alton Fire Department for assisting during the incident.
Anyone with information related to the investigation is encouraged to contact the Alton Police Department Criminal Investigation Division at (618) 463-3505, ext. 671.
