A sheriff’s deputy from central Illinois was wounded in a shooting that took place on Saturday night, according to local authorities.
The incident occurred when deputies from the Peoria County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle in the 1000 block of South Western Avenue shortly before 10 p.m., as reported by the Peoria Police Department.
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During the traffic stop, a passenger exited the vehicle and attempted to escape on foot. The fleeing suspect fired several shots at a deputy, hitting him twice, police stated.
The injured deputy was rushed to a nearby hospital with serious injuries. He underwent surgery for multiple gunshot wounds during the night and is now in stable condition, police confirmed.
Law enforcement officers tracked down the suspect approximately two hours later. He was found hiding in an abandoned building located in the 1800 block of West Garden Street.
When officers attempted to apprehend the suspect, identified as 51-year-old Larry D. Bell, he began experiencing seizures and was taken to a local hospital for medical attention. While at the hospital, authorities discovered illegal drugs in his possession.
Officers also executed a search warrant at the abandoned building, where they found a handgun.
Once Bell was released from the hospital, he was taken into custody and arrested for attempted murder, armed violence, aggravated battery with a firearm, and possession of methamphetamine, among other charges. He was transported to the Peoria County Jail.
Police said the injured deputy, a three-year veteran of the department, faces a long recovery.
The incident is under investigation.
The Peoria Police Department asked anyone with information to contact them at (309) 673-4521, tip411 (anonymous), or Crime Stoppers at (309) 673-9000.
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