Rockford Bar Shooting Leads to Attempted Murder Charges, Two Arrested

A late-night shooting at a Rockford bar has led to multiple felony charges, including attempted murder.

Late-Night Shooting Investigated

According to a press release from the Rockford Police Department, officers responded to reports of a fight and a possible gunshot victim at Stumpy's Bar, 5801 Columbia Parkway, around 1:25 am on Friday (1/23).

After RPD officers arrived on the scene and secured the area, they received reports of a man arriving at a Rockford hospital suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the neck, but the victim's condition was not released.

Detectives Identify Suspect and Weapon Source

Violent crimes detectives with the Rockford Police Department launched an investigation and identified 23-year-old Aaron Boyle of Rockford as the alleged shooter.

Investigators determined that Boyle obtained the firearm used in the shooting moments before the incident from 30-year-old Joseph Alonzo, also of Rockford.

Detectives say the gun exchange happened right before the violence occurred inside the bar.

Arrests and Evidence Recovered

On Tuesday (1/27), detectives arrested Boyle at a residence in the 6300 block of Abraham Drive.

During the arrest, officers recovered a handgun and drug paraphernalia, including more than 22 grams of cocaine. Shortly afterward, detectives located and arrested Alonzo at a residence in the 6300 block of Lyndhurst Lane in Rockford.

Charges Authorized by Prosecutors

Following a review by the Winnebago County State's Attorney's Office, Boyle was charged with attempted murder, aggravated discharge of a firearm, aggravated battery with a firearm, aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.

Get our free mobile app

Alonzo was charged with aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon and aggravated discharge of a firearm.

Additional charges or arrests remain possible, and all charges are accusations. Both men are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Police Seeking Additional Information

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact the Rockford Police Department at 815-966-2900, or anonymous tips can be submitted by texting RPDTIP to 847411.

You can also leave anonymous information with Rockford Area Crime Stoppers at 815-963-7867.