Rockford Suffers Violent Weekend: Two Shooting Incidents, Gun Arrests

It didn't take long for Labor Day weekend to become violent around Rockford with a shooting reported early in the morning on Friday (8/30).

Rockford Police Respond to Early Morning Shooting

Rockford Police were dispatched to a local hospital at approximately 12:58 am on Friday to investigate a walk-in shooting victim, according to a press release from RPD.

The 40-year-old male victim, who sustained multiple non-life-threatening gunshot wounds, reported that he was attacked by three masked individuals near the 500 block of 15th Avenue.

The suspects demanded his belongings at gunpoint and shot him after he complied, according to the report.

Arrest of Two Suspects in Separate Incident

Rockford Police SCOPE officers made a significant discovery during a traffic stop in the 400 block of S. Main Street on Friday night around 8:35 pm.

According to a press release, Officers found two loaded handguns in the vehicle, one equipped with an extended magazine.

READ MORE: Deadly Virus Spreading, 1 Illinois Death and 2 in Wisconsin

The vehicle’s passengers, Tamarion Smith, 18, of Poplar Grove, and Sincere Harris, 20, of Loves Park, were arrested and booked into the County Jail.

Both suspects have been charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and lack of a valid FOID card. They have since been released pending further legal proceedings.

Second Shooting Incident Late Saturday Night

Rockford Police responded to a local hospital where a 26-year-old male was being treated for life-threatening injuries.

Get our free mobile app

The victim reported being shot in the lower back/side in the 1200 block of Rural Street. He is currently listed as stable, though his condition remains serious. The investigation is ongoing, and further charges may be filed as details emerge.

Community Call to Action

Rockford Police Department reminds the public that charges are allegations and individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Anyone with information about these incidents or other related cases is urged to contact the Rockford Police Department at 815-966-2900, or reach out via Facebook (@RockfordIllinoisPoliceDepartment) or Twitter (@RockfordPD).