Rockford, Illinois, Active Shooter Live Updates: Armed Suspect On Loose After Reportedly Shooting U.S. Marshal
Authorities from federal and local law enforcement agencies responded to an active shooter situation, which turned into a hunt for the suspect.
UPDATE: 7:03 p.m. EST–The Rockford Police Department confirmed that McHenry County Sheriff's Deputy Jacob Keltner passed away after being shot on Thursday. A procession will be held at 8:00 p.m. CST, beginning at MercyHealth's Javon Bea Hospital – Riverside and continue to the Winnebago County Coroner's Office.
"The Rockford Police Department and the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office extend their thoughts and prayers to the family of Deputy Keltner," the police department said.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker also offered his condolences to Keltner's family and thanked him for his courageous service.
UPDATE: 2:25 p.m. EST–The suspect was located fleeing the area in a vehicle and is now involved in a barricaded subject situation with the Illinois State Police and other law enforcement agencies on I-55, between Bloomington, Illinois, and Springfield, Illinois. The suspect crashed his car in a field off the interstate and was barricaded inside it. Negotiation efforts between the suspect and officers were underway.
At this time in the investigation, Rockford Assistant Deputy Chief John Pozzi said it does not seem law enforcement officers fired any of their weapons during the incident. A woman was injured, but Pozzi said they believe she was injured by the suspect. He classified their relationship as one of acquaintances.
An arrest warrant was issued for Brown for attempted first-degree murder because of the U.S. Marshal who was shot. The Marshal was transported to a local hospital and is in critical condition, according to Pozzi.
"My heart truly goes out to the officer who was injured and their entire family, as well as, all law enforcement. When one is injured in such a horrific situation, there's a tight-knit bond that law enforcement has, every one of them is impacted," Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara said.
Original story:
On Thursday morning, the Chicago Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) posted on Twitter there was an active shooter situation in Rockford, Illinois. ATF personnel, along with the Rockford Police Department, responded to the scene of an Extended Stay America hotel off North Bell School Road around 10:15 a.m. CST.
Shortly before 11 a.m. CST, the ATF posted on Twitter that the suspect was believed to be an armed and dangerous fugitive.
The Rockford Illinois Police Department said United States Marshals attempted to serve an arrest warrant at one of the rooms, at which point, the suspect fired shots at them. One Marshal was hit and his current health status is unknown.
"At this point in time we have prayers for the officer that was hit and prayers for the officers that are attempting to locate the suspect, too," the Rockford Police Department said.
The suspect was identified as Floyd E. Brown, 45, who is believed to be a resident of the Springfield, Illinois, area. The Rockford Police Department later said Brown was 39 years old, not 45. He fled in a vehicle that was identified as a light blue or silver Mercury Grand Marquis, possibly with the plate "BF13112" or a temporary Illinois plate of "4850526."
"Mr. Brown is considered armed and dangerous," the Rockford Police Department said. "We just want to end this incident peacefully with his surrender."
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
