District Bar Shooting in Downtown Rockford Leads to Multiple Charges

A man on parole is in jail, and his mom also faces charges, following a shooting at a downtown Rockford bar earlier this week.

Shots Fired Outside Downtown Bar

According to a Rockford Police press release, officers responded to District Bar and Grill on Tuesday night (9/2) just before 11 pm for reports of gunfire.

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When RPD arrived on the scene, investigators found shattered windows, damaged structures inside the bar, and two vehicles that had been struck by bullets outside.

Witnesses to the incident say a man had been kicked out of the bar moments earlier and allegedly fired multiple rounds from his vehicle as he left the scene.

Suspect Turns Himself In

Rockford Police identified the suspect in the shooting as 26-year-old Avery Jones from Rockford, who was on parole with the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Jones turned himself in late on Wednesday night (9/3) on an unrelated arrest warrant and was being held in the Winnebago County Jail, according to the press release.

Detectives later executed a search warrant on Jones' residence.

Mother Arrested During Search

During the search of the home, Avery Jones' mother, Nicole Jones, 47, from Rockford, refused to control her aggressive dogs and was arrested for obstructing police.

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Detectives also discovered handgun magazines, ammunition, and a marijuana grow operation. City inspectors later condemned the residence due to unsanitary conditions.

Charges Filed

After reviewing the case, the Winnebago County State's Attorney's Office has approved multiple charges against Avery Jones, including aggravated discharge of a firearm, unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, possession with intent to deliver cannabis, and felony criminal damage to property.

Nicole Jones was cited for obstructing a police officer.

Anyone with additional information about this incident is urged to contact Rockford Police at 815-966-2900.