Peoria, Illinois – A sheriff’s deputy was seriously injured after being shot during a traffic stop near Interstate 74.
According to the Peoria Police Department, the incident occurred at approximately 9:52 p.m. Saturday in the 1000 block of South Western Avenue, near US-24 and I-74. Deputies with the Peoria County Sheriff’s Office initiated a traffic stop when a passenger exited the vehicle and fled on foot.
Authorities said that during the ensuing foot pursuit, the fleeing suspect fired multiple gunshots at a deputy, striking the deputy twice. The injured deputy was transported to a local hospital, where he was treated for serious injuries. No update on the deputy’s condition was immediately released.
Approximately two hours later, law enforcement officers located the suspect inside an abandoned building in the 1800 block of West Garden Street, near I-474. Police identified the suspect as Larry D. Bell, 51. While officers attempted to take Bell into custody, authorities said he began experiencing seizures and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
While at the hospital, officers allegedly located illegal drugs on Bell’s person. A subsequent search warrant was obtained for the abandoned building, where officers recovered a handgun, police said.
After being released from the hospital, Bell was taken into custody and transported to the Peoria County Jail. He was arrested on multiple charges, including attempted murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, armed violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and several controlled substance offenses, along with multiple Peoria County warrants. Several of the warrants carry no bond, according to police.
The incident remains under investigation.
Anyone with information related to violent crime is encouraged to contact the Peoria Police Department, Crime Stoppers, or submit tips anonymously.
