PEORIA, Ill. – A Peoria County Sheriff’s deputy is recovering after being shot multiple times during a traffic stop Saturday night on Peoria’s south side.
The incident occurred at approximately 9:52 p.m. in the 1000 block of South Western Avenue when deputies conducted a traffic stop, according to the Peoria Police Department.
As deputies approached the vehicle, a passenger exited and fled on foot. During the foot pursuit, the suspect fired multiple shots at a deputy, striking him twice.
The injured deputy was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries.
Peoria County Sheriff Chris Watkins said in a statement the deputy underwent surgery for multiple gunshot wounds.
“The procedure lasted most of the night and was successful,” Watkins said. “He faces a long recovery, but we are grateful that he is in stable condition. He has been a dedicated member of our department for the past three years.”
Approximately two hours after the shooting, law enforcement officers located the suspect inside an abandoned building in the 1800 block of West Garden Street.
The suspect was identified as 51-year-old Larry D. Bell.
While attempting to take Bell into custody, he began having seizures and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Officers located illegal drugs on his person while at the hospital.
A search warrant was obtained for the abandoned building, where officers recovered a handgun.
After being released from the hospital, Bell was taken into custody and arrested on the following charges of Attempted Murder, Aggravated Battery with a Firearm, Armed Violence, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver.
Bell also had three active Peoria County warrants for failure to appear on previous drug charges, all with no bond.
He was transported to the Peoria County Jail.
Because the incident occurred in Peoria and the suspect fled the scene, the Peoria Police Department is handling the investigation.
“Peoria Police Department immediately offered its full support and resources,” Watkins said.
The incident remains under investigation.
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