![Illinois Man Leads Rockford Police on Chase After Shots Fired](https://townsquare.media/site/723/files/2024/03/attachment-SITKA.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Illinois Man Leads Rockford Police on Chase After Shots Fired
Rockford Police have a man in custody after he fled from officers on the city's northside on Thursday night (2/29).
Rockford SCOPE Team Responds to Shots Fired
According to a press release from the Rockford PD, the SCOPE team (Specialized Community Oriented Police Enforcement) responded to a report of shots fired around 8:32 pm on Thursday in the area of Sablewood Drive and Sitka Lane.
When arriving on the scene, officers noticed a vehicle in the area that had suspended license plates, and when they attempted to make a traffic stop the vehicle fled.
READ MORE: IL Man Charged in Rockford Murder from 3 Years Ago
The suspect fled at "a high rate of speed" from Rockford Police and moments later discovered the vehicle slammed into a retaining wall by the exit ramp on N. Second Street.
Suspect Flees, Struggles with Rockford Police
Rockford Police say the driver of the vehicle ran from the scene of the crash on N. Second Street but was arrested following "a brief struggle." Officers on the scene recovered a loaded handgun during the incident, according to the press release.
The suspect was identified as 44-year-old Demario Flemming of Rockford who has been charged with multiple weapons offenses.
Charges have been filed by the Winnebago County State's Attorney's Office against Demariio Flemming and include:
- Armed Habitual Criminal
- Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon
- Unlawful Use of a Weapon by a Felon
- Aggravated Fleeing to Elude
- 2 Counts of Resisting Arrest
In the press release, Rockford Police said these "charges are merely accusations and all individuals are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law."
More charges are possible in this incident, and if more information becomes available, this story will be updated.
25 True Crime Locations: What Do They Look Like Today?
LOOK: 25 must-visit hidden gems from across the US
Gallery Credit: Abby Monteil
More From Rockford's New Country Q98.5
![Illinois Man Faces Murder Charges in 2021 Death of Fiancée](http://townsquare.media/site/723/files/2024/07/attachment-BEACON.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Fire at Rockford Apartment Complex Causes $275,000 in Damages](http://townsquare.media/site/723/files/2024/07/attachment-FIRE.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Brawler from Rockford, Illinois Starring in Season 3 of Dana White’s Power Slap](http://townsquare.media/site/723/files/2024/07/attachment-SLAP-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Illinois Weather May Get Into the Hottest Stretch of Summer Beginning Next Week](http://townsquare.media/site/723/files/2024/07/attachment-Heat.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Important News for Illinois Low Income Families Receiving TANF Payments](http://townsquare.media/site/723/files/2024/07/attachment-GettyImages-2156717876-Daniel-Boczarski.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Rockford Needs Help To Save Parks From Disgusting Vandals](http://townsquare.media/site/723/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-07-24T150142.149.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![The Best Burritos Are Served at These Illinois Food Joints](http://townsquare.media/site/723/files/2024/04/attachment-Burrito.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![2 Best Theaters in Illinois to See the Thrilling New Movie ‘Twisters’](http://townsquare.media/site/723/files/2024/07/attachment-Movie-best.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![New Dollar Store Experience Opens in Rockford, Illinois](http://townsquare.media/site/723/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-07-23T204605.987.jpg?w=980&q=75)