Deputy hospitalized after shooting in Peoria identified, suspect arrested

PEORIA, Ill. (WAND) — A Peoria County sheriff's deputy is facing a long recovery after being shot while chasing a suspect Saturday night.

The deputy has been identified as Deputy Jack Evans, 24. Evans was sworn in with the Peoria County Sheriff’s Office on January 3, 2023, and has served with the department for just over three years.

In a statement, the Sheriff’s Office said Deputy Evans has shown professionalism, dedication, and a strong commitment to public safety since taking his oath. During his time with the department, Evans has already earned multiple awards.

Deputy Evans remains under medical care but is reported to be in good spirits. Officials say he sustained gunshot wounds to both legs and his torso and faces a long road to recovery.

According to the Peoria Police Department, Peoria sheriff's deputies initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 1000 block of South Western Avenue just before 10 p.m. on Saturday. As the deputies approached the vehicle, a passenger, later identified as 51-year-old Larry D. Bell, exited and fled. Peoria PD reported that during the chase, Bell shot at Deputy Evans, hitting him twice.

Deputy Evans was taken to the hospital and is now stable. The Peoria County Sheriff's Office confirmed that he had successful surgery.

About two hours after the shooting, police found Bell inside an abandoned building not far from the scene. While attempting to arrest him, police reported that Bell began to have seizures and was taken to the hospital.

Officers discovered illegal drugs on Bell at the hospital.

Upon searching the abandoned building where Bell was found, police also recovered a firearm. Once he was released from the hospital, Bell was arrested on several charges, including three failure to appear warrants, attempted murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and unlawful possession of a controlled substance.

Bell is now in custody at the Peoria County Jail, and the incident is still under investigation.

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