Peoria, IL – A late-night traffic stop in Peoria escalated into gunfire Saturday night, leaving a sheriff’s deputy seriously injured and prompting an hours-long manhunt that ended with an attempted murder arrest.
According to the Peoria Police Department, the incident occurred at approximately 9:52 p.m. Saturday in the 1000 block of South Western Avenue. Peoria County Sheriff’s deputies were assisting with a traffic stop when a passenger exited the vehicle and fled on foot.
During the ensuing pursuit, police say the suspect fired multiple shots at a deputy, striking the deputy twice. The injured deputy was transported to a local hospital, where they were treated for serious injuries.
Roughly two hours later, law enforcement officers located the suspect inside an abandoned building in the 1800 block of West Garden Street. Authorities identified the suspect as 51-year-old Larry D. Bell.
According to police, Bell began experiencing seizures as officers attempted to take him into custody and was transported to a hospital for treatment. While at the hospital, officers allegedly located illegal drugs on his person.
Investigators later obtained a search warrant for the abandoned building, where officers recovered a handgun believed to be connected to the shooting.
After being released from the hospital, Bell was taken into custody and transported to the Peoria County Jail. Police say he faces multiple charges, including attempted murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, armed violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and several drug-related offenses. Bell was also arrested on multiple outstanding Peoria County warrants for failure to appear. Authorities say he is being held with no bond.
The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Peoria Police Department at (309) 673-4521, tip411 anonymously, or Crime Stoppers at (309) 673-9000.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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