UPDATE: Jacob Vereecken is in custody.

Staff Report

ROCKFORD — A Rockford man is wanted after what police reported as a violent domestic dispute last Friday on the city’s south side.

Police say officers responded to a residence in the 800 block of Mattis Avenue at around 7:30 p.m., where they spoke to a 26-year-old woman who said she was battered and strangled by a man with whom she had a domestic relationship.

After speaking to the victim, police identified 27-year-old Jacob Vereecken as suspect. Vereecken fled on foot.

The victim was able to escape the residence and was transported to a local hospital.

After a follow-up investigation by the Rockford Police Department, the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office charged Vereecken with aggravated domestic battery and unlawful restraint. Bond is set at $150,000.  He is still at large.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Jacob Vereecken is urged to contact Rockford Police at 815-966-2900 or leave an anonymous tip with Rockford Area Crime Stoppers at 815-963-7867.