A 51-year-old man has been charged with the attempted murder of a Peoria County Sheriff’s deputy following a late-night shooting Saturday, authorities say.
According to the Peoria County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy stopped a vehicle at 9:52 p.m. in the 1000 block of South Western Avenue. During the traffic stop, a passenger fled on foot, and the deputy was shot multiple times.
The deputy was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries and underwent surgery for multiple gunshot wounds. Officials say the procedure was successful, and the deputy is now in stable condition but faces a lengthy recovery.
Authorities reported that the fleeing suspect, later identified as Larry D. Bell, fired multiple shots during the foot pursuit, striking the deputy twice. About two hours later, officers located Bell inside an abandoned building in the 1800 block of West Garden Street.
Bell experienced seizures while officers attempted to take him into custody and was transported to a hospital for treatment. Police said illegal drugs were found on him. A subsequent search of the building recovered a handgun.
Once released from the hospital, Bell was taken into custody and transported to the Peoria County Jail. He is charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, armed violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and several drug-related offenses. Bell is being held without bond.
Officers from East Peoria and the Illinois State Police assisted in the investigation, which remains ongoing.
