McHenry County sheriff releases statement about deputy killed in Rockford
By Jim Hagerty
Reporter
WOODSTOCK — McHenry County Sheriff Bill Prim released a statement Thursday afternoon about the death of Deputy Jacob Keltner.
Police say Keltner, 35, was shot in Rockford Thursday morning by a robbery suspect he attempted to arrest as part of a U.S. Marhals task force.
Keltner died just after 3 p.m. at Javon Bea Hospital.
“It is with great sadness I announce today the passing away of Deputy Sheriff Jacob Keltner, who was shot this morning in the line of duty and subsequently died in the hospital,” Prim said in the statement. “Other police agencies, federal, state and local, are at work on this investigation and authoritative information will come from them at the appropriate time, so I will not dwell on the circumstances that gave rise to his untimely death.
”For those of us in the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, this is bitter news. Deputy Keltner was an integral part of our office, someone who had risen quickly to greater responsibilities after he was first sworn in in 2006. He was loved and respected by all his colleagues, and he will be sorely missed.
“I would like to take this opportunity to note the overwhelming support our Office has received from law enforcement at the federal, state and local level. Other Sheriff’s Offices, such as Winnebago County and DuPage County, have stood by us as the tragic events of this morning unfolded, and throughout this afternoon, and I am sure they will continue to do so.
“Further, I would like to commend the Rockford Police Department and the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office for their rapid and comprehensive responses in, first, handling a dangerous crime scene this morning, and then securing the area as the day went on. Their professionalism was truly outstanding. And we appreciate also the exceptional dedication of the Illinois State Police, who brought the offender into custody without further injury.
“I have every confidence that the people of McHenry County will come together as a community to mourn this fine young man and support his family and colleagues through this difficult time.”
The alleged shooter, 39-year-old Floyd Brown, was taken into custody Thursday afternoon after crashing his car in Logan County, Illinois, about 170 miles from Rockford. He’s been charged with first-degree murder. R.