Rockford Police Arrest Two Men in Separate Gun-Related Incidents

According to a press release from the Rockford Police Department, two men are in custody after being arrested in separate incidents over the weekend.

Shots Fired Incident Leads to Gun Recovery

In the early hours of September 7, 2024, Rockford Police officers responded to reports of shots fired in the 1000 block of 12th Street at approximately 1:55 a.m.

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Upon arrival, officers noticed a vehicle speeding away from the scene and initiated a traffic stop. During their investigation, authorities discovered a loaded handgun in the vehicle.

The Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office has charged Damarcus James, 24, with Unlawful Use of a Weapon in connection with this incident.

Man Flees and Jumps Roof, Arrested with Loaded Gun

Just a day later, on September 8, 2024, at around 12:55 a.m., Rockford Police SCOPE officers encountered a group of individuals blocking the road in the 1100 block of Oakley Avenue.

When officers approached, one of the individuals, identified as Christopher Yerk, 19, fled the scene.

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Yerk was seen running onto a residential roof in the 1100 block of Sunset Avenue before jumping down and sprinting across Auburn Street. Rockford Police K-9s tracked him down and recovered a loaded handgun.

Yerk was subsequently arrested and charged with Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Possession of a Weapon with a Defaced Serial Number, No Valid FOID, and Resisting Arrest.

Ongoing Investigation and Community Call to Action

Both cases are under review, and additional charges may be filed as investigations continue. The Rockford Police Department urges anyone with information about these incidents or other related cases to come forward.

For tips or further information, contact the Rockford Police Department at 815-966-2900.

As always, the charges against the individuals are accusations and they remain innocent until proven guilty in court, according to Rockford Police.