The Peoria County Sheriff's Office reports one of its deputies was shot several times during a traffic stop Saturday night and is hospitalized with serious injuries.
Peoria Police said on Sunday morning a man has been taken into custody on attempted murder and other charges tied to the shooting.
The sheriff’s office said in a Facebook post the deputy was conducting a traffic stop in the 1000 block of South Western Avenue in Peoria around 9:52 p.m. when he was shot and a passenger fled on foot. Peoria Police said the fleeing suspect fired multiple shots at the deputy, hitting him twice.
Peoria County Sheriff Chris Watkins said early Sunday the deputy underwent surgery for multiple gunshot wounds.
"He faces a long recovery, but we are grateful that he is in stable condition," Watkins said. "He has been a dedicated member of our department for the past three years."
Watkins did not provide the deputy's name.
Peoria Police said they located the suspect, Larry D. Bell, 51, in an abandoned building in the 1800 block of West Garden Street about two hours after the shooting.
Police said Bell began to have seizures when officers tried to take him into custody. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment, and officers said they found illegal drugs in his possession at the hospital.
Police also said they recovered a handgun from the abandoned building after obtaining a search warrant.
Bell, who was arrested after being released from the hospital, was taken to the Peoria County Jail.
Police are seeking a host of charges, including attempted murder, armed violence, aggravated battery with a firearm, unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, unlawful possession of a controlled substance [and with intent to deliver], and three counts of failure to appear in three drug cases.
Peoria Police said the incident remains under investigation. They said on Sunday afternoon they have recovered video footage that indicates a woman removed evidence from the scene.
Police said an unidentified female in a Chevy Equinox pulled into the Phillips 66 station at 1016 S. Western Ave. The woman was wearing a red coat, according to authorities. She left the vehicle moments after the foot chase passed by the Equinox and intentionally removed evidence from the scene, police said.
Peoria Police Sgt. Amy Dotson said late Sunday afternoon the woman was later identified the located.
Anyone with additional information on the case is asked to call Peoria Police at (309) 673-4521, detective Jacob Bainter at (309) 494-8337 or anonymously to Tip 411 or CrimeStoppers at (309) 673-9000.
Law enforcement agencies in McLean County have offered messages of support for the wounded officer.
"Normal PD sends our heartfelt support and prayers to the Peoria County Sheriff's Office and the deputy who was wounded in the line of duty last night," Normal Police said in a Facebook post. "We are hoping for a swift and complete recovery and extend our strength and solidarity to those who continue to serve and protect our communities with honor and dedication."
The McLean County Sheriff's Office posted on Facebook "We stand with you during this difficult time and are keeping the deputy, their family, and the entire Peoria County Sheriff's Office team in our thoughts."
