Boone County High Speed Chase and Crash, Shots Fired By Police at Suspect

A traffic stop in Belvidere sparked a high speed chase that ended with a crash at East State Street and Bell School Road in Rockford. The incident included an officer involved shooting and injuries.

Reports are sketchy at the moment. According to WREX-TV, two separate scenes were involved in Wednesday evening's incident..

• In Belvidere at Whitney Blvd. and Buchanan St.
• In Rockford at Bell School Rd. and E. State St.

In Belvidere, a bystander captured this video of the aftermath, before more police arrived. It would appear to show an injured officer on the ground. The incident began with a traffic stop with Belvidere Police at Buchanan Street in downtown Belvidere at 5:15 p.m. The suspect attempted to flee, striking the police officer. The officer subsequently fired his weapon to defend himself.

The suspect fled on State Street from Belivere to Rockford, where he crashed at State Street and Bell School Roads. The high speed chase, involved a red SUV that was severely damaged after it struck several other vehicles and had to be towed away. Officials say other individuals may have been injured in the crash.
Master Sergent Sam Thomas with the Illinois State Police and Commander with the  Winnebago County Integrity Task force conducted a press conference detailed what led up to the chase. The suspect and the injured officer were taken to local hospitals. Their conditions are not known.

Belvidere Police Chief Jan Noble says that since an officer involved shooting took place, the investigation will be made by Illinois State Police. The name of the officer was not identified. The suspect and the injured officer were taken to local hospitals.

The investigation continues.