Suspect in custody following armed robbery at Villa Di Roma

From press release

At 1:55 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 26, Rockford Police officers responded to Villa Di Roma, 1620 Harrison Ave., regarding an armed robbery in progress. Responding officers observed the suspect flee south on foot from the business. Rockford Police officers pursued this suspect on foot, and a perimeter was set up to contain the suspect.

A 69-year-old employee inside Villa Di Roma had been shot and beat up during the robbery. The man was transported to a local hospital, where he was treated and released for a gunshot wound to his lower extremity and a cut on his head.

Law Enforcement Aviation Coalition (LEAC) was contacted and a helicopter was utilized, along with a K-9 from Belvidere Police Department, and Rockford Police officers took John A. Shabazz, 20, into custody after finding him hiding in a yard in the 2600 block of Kinsey.

Rockford Police detectives conducted a follow-up investigation and the following charges have been authorized against Shabazz by the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office: armed robbery and aggravated battery with a firearm.

Shabazz is being held at the Winnebago County Jail without bond.