Two Arrested in Rockford After Stolen Vehicle and Firearm Incident

Two suspects were arrested over the weekend after a stolen vehicle chase in Rockford.

Stolen Vehicle Spotted at Gas Station

According to a Rockford Police Department press release, patrol officers spotted the stolen vehicle on Sunday night (March 30) around 11:25 pm at the Mobil gas station on Halsted and N. Main.

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Later, a K9 unit found the vehicle near the intersection of Allington and Paradise, when two occupants of the vehicle jumped out and fled the scene on foot.

Handgun Discovered After Brief Chase

Officers from the Rockford PD SCOPE team apprehended one of the suspects in the 3000 block of Church Street and discovered a loaded handgun in his possession.

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The suspect was identified as 20-year-old Lamarcus Smith of Rockford.

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A short time later, the other suspect was seen entering a vehicle near the 1600 block of Pierce Avenue and, after a traffic stop, was taken into custody.

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He was identified as 20-year-old Kalen Watkins of Rockford.

Charges Filed Against Two 20-Year-Old Rockford Suspects

After the Winnebago County State's Attorney's Office reviewed the case, the following charges were authorized:

Lamarcus Smith, 20, Rockford:

• Aggravated Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
• Possession of a Stolen Vehicle
• Resisting Arrest
• No Valid FOID

Kalen Watkins, 20, Rockford:

• Possession of a Stolen Vehicle
• Resisting Arrest

At the time this story was published, both individuals were lodged in the Winnebago County Jail.

These charges are merely accusations, and both individuals are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

If you have any information regarding this incident, contact Rockford Police at 815-966-2900, or to remain anonymous, call Rockford Area Crime Stoppers at 815-963-7867.