Rockford man, 14-year-old charged in gunfire incident

Staff Report

ROCKFORD – Two people, including a Rockford juvenile, were arrested Wednesday after a shootout on the city’s near-east side.

Police the say officers responded to the 4900 block of Alpine Park Drive at around 6:15 p.m., after receiving numerous reports of gunfire. Several suspects were detained at the scene while another, a 14-year-old male, was caught in the 1100 block of Hillcrest Road after a brief foot chase.

According to police, the incident was sparked by a dispute between two girls, during which two other people produced handguns and began firing at each other.  A 16-year-old girl was was struck hit by gunfire and sustained superficial wounds.

Anthony Esteves-Barrera, 30, Rockford, is charged with aggravated unlawful use of weapons and no FOID. The 14-year-old boy was arrested on charges of aggravated battery with a firearm, unlawful use of weapons by a gang member, aggravated discharge of a firearm and no FOID.

Esteves-Barrera is being held without bond in the Winnebago County Jail and is scheduled to make his first court appearance this afternoon. The juvenile’s identity is being withheld.