Deputy hospitalized after shooting in Peoria, 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.

According to the Peoria Police Department, Peoria sheriff's deputies pulled a vehicle over in the 1000 block of South Western Avenue just before 10 p.m.

As deputies approached the vehicle, police said a passenger, later identified as 51-year-old Larry D. Bell, got out and ran. Peoria PD said as the deputies chased him, Bell shot at a deputy, hitting him twice.

The deputy was taken to the hospital, where he is in stable condition. The Peoria County Sheriff's Office said the deputy underwent a surgery that lasted most of the night and was successful, but he faces a "long recovery."

The deputy's name has not been shared, but the sheriff's office said he has been a member of the organization for the past three years.

According to the Peoria Police Department, officers found Bell inside an abandoned building not far from the scene about two hours after the shooting. While trying to arrest him, police said Bell started to have seizures and was taken to the hospital. According to police, officers found illegal drugs on Bell at the hospital.

Police also found a gun while searching the abandoned building where Bell was found.

Once Bell was released from the hospital, he 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 was taken to the Peoria County Jail. The incident is still under investigation.

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