A Peoria County Sheriff’s Office deputy was shot twice Saturday night during a foot pursuit after a traffic stop in the 1000 block of South Western Avenue.
Deputies conducted the traffic stop at approximately 9:52 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31. As they approached the vehicle, a passenger exited and fled on foot. During the pursuit, the suspect fired multiple shots, striking the deputy twice. The deputy was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries.
Approximately two hours later, officers located the suspect, identified as 51-year-old Larry D. Bell, inside an abandoned building in the 1800 block of West Garden Street. Bell began having seizures while being taken into custody and was transported to a hospital, where officers discovered illegal drugs on his person.
A search warrant was executed at the abandoned building, where officers recovered a handgun.
Once released from the hospital, Bell was arrested and charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, armed violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, and three outstanding Peoria County warrants for failure to appear on drug-related charges. He was taken to the Peoria County Jail.
The incident remains under investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Peoria Police Department at (309) 673-4521, tip411, or Crime Stoppers at (309) 673-9000.