Violent Monday Strikes Rockford Community

Rockford found itself in the grip of violence, as two separate incidents rattled residents during the day on Monday (10/14) and called attention to growing concerns over public safety.

Gunfire Erupts in Broad Daylight

The day began with a barrage of gunfire that shattered the calm on Fairview Boulevard, raising alarm across the community.

At approximately 11:30 a.m., Rockford Police officers received reports of shots fired near the intersection of Fairview Boulevard and Greenwood Avenue, according to a press release.

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Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene where two vehicles exchanged gunfire, striking a nearby residence. Officers quickly mobilized, and shortly thereafter, one of the vehicles was located in the 3300 block of Greenwood.

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The driver, 23-year-old Marcellus Lee, was taken into custody without further incident. During the ensuing investigation, officers recovered two handguns believed to be involved in the altercation.

The Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office subsequently filed multiple charges against Lee, including two counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm, two counts of reckless discharge of a firearm, criminal damage to property, and aggravated unlawful use of weapons.

Trouble at McDonald's

As the morning violence faded, a second incident unfolded later on Monday afternoon (10/14).

At around 3:00 p.m., police were called to the McDonald's located at 420 S. Perryville Road regarding an individual banned from the premises, according to the press release.

Upon arrival, officers encountered 31-year-old Omar Saleh, who, instead of complying with police instructions, jumped into his vehicle and attempted to flee. In the process, he backed into a Rockford Police squad car.

Witnesses reported Saleh’s reckless escape, which led authorities to locate his vehicle a short time later in the 1100 block of Marigold.

Saleh was arrested and taken to the County Jail, where he faces charges including resisting arrest, criminal damage to state-supported property, and criminal trespass to property, according to the report.

If you have any information regarding these incidents or any incidents, please contact the Rockford Police Department at 815-966-2900, on Facebook (@RockfordIllinoisPoliceDepartment) or Twitter (@RockfordPD).