Loves Park police officer shoots at stolen car, captures suspect

By Jim Hagerty
Staff Writer

A Loves Park police officer discharged his weapon Wednesday morning, Dec. 22, in an attempt to capture the driver of a stolen car.

According to Deputy Chief Rodney Scott of the Loves Park Police Department, at approximately 9 a.m., the officer spotted the stolen vehicle at a stoplight near Riverside Boulevard and Perryville Road.

While the officer approached the vehicle, the suspect drove toward the officer. The officer then fired at the suspect’s car as it sped away.

“The officer feared for his life and dischaged his service weapon,” Scott said. “Nothing was struck.”

After firing at the suspect, the officer pursued the vehicle, which crashed into a ditch near Shale Drive.

The suspect was apprehended after a brief foot chase.

The name of the driver, described as a male in his 20s, has not been released. Scott said it is unknown if the suspect has outstanding warrants or what charges will be filed.

The investigation has been turned over to the Illinois State Police.

“It’s department policy that anytime an officer discharges a service weapon, we call the Illinois State Police to investigate,” Scott added.

No serious injuries were reported.

The officer’s squad car was damaged, Scott said.