A former fire captain in rural McLean County, Army veteran and Olympia High School graduate has died after a New Year's Eve shooting in Fulton County.
Levi Blair, 39, died at Graham Hospital in Canton, about 40 minutes southwest of Peoria, after being shot outside of a grocery store in Lewistown around 7 p.m. Dec. 31, according to the Fulton County Sheriff's Office.
Police arrested 33-year-old Nicholas Pratt on Wednesday in connection with the shooting.
The Ipava man was charged with multiple felonies including first degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, aggravated discharge of a firearm and endangering the life or health of a child, a Class A misdemeanor. Charging documents from the Fulton County state's attorney's Office said Pratt shot Blair in the head, eventually killing him. Court records show Pratt was denied release while his trial is pending. Reports from local media outlets present at Pratt's hearing indicate the shooting happened during a child custody exchange.
An autopsy for Blair is set for Friday.
The current fire chief of the Mt. Hope-Funks Grove District, about 20 minutes southwest of Bloomington, declined to comment further past sentiments shared by the group on social media, which expressed "deep sadness" over Blair's "untimely passing."
"Captain Blair's contributions to our community and unwavering dedication to protecting others will always be remembered," the post read. "His absence leaves a void that will not be easily filled, and his memory will forever remain in our hearts."
Similar sentiments were also shared by the Fulton County Emergency Medical Association, where Blair worked as a paramedic.
"Levi began working for the Association in 2018 and was someone that gave his all in the things that he did and for the patients that he came into contact with," the group said in an online post. "Levi meant a lot to everyone here and we won’t forget him."
A funeral is set for next week. A first responder walk-through will precede the funeral a day ahead of time.
