PEORIA, Ill. (WBBM Newsradio) – Peoria police say they have identified and located a woman accused of removing evidence from the scene where a Peoria County sheriff’s deputy was shot during a traffic stop over the weekend.
According to the Peoria Police Department, investigators recovered surveillance video showing a woman stopping at a gas station in the 1000 block of South Western Avenue shortly after the shooting and taking what authorities believe was evidence. Police said the woman has since been located. No charges have been announced.
The shooting happened around 9:52 p.m. Saturday when deputies with the Peoria County Sheriff's Office conducted a traffic stop in the 1000 block of South Western Avenue. Authorities said a passenger fled the vehicle on foot and opened fire during a chase, striking the deputy twice.
The deputy was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries and underwent surgery overnight. Officials said the procedure was successful and the deputy is now in stable condition but faces a lengthy recovery.
Police said the suspect, identified as 51-year-old Larry D. Bell, was located about two hours later inside an abandoned building in the 1800 block of West Garden Street. While officers attempted to take him into custody, Bell reportedly suffered seizures and was transported to a hospital. Authorities said illegal drugs were found on him during treatment.
Investigators later executed a search warrant at the abandoned building and recovered a handgun.
Once released from the hospital, Bell was taken to the Peoria County Jail. He faces multiple felony charges, including attempted murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, armed violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and several drug-related offenses.
Bell is also being held on multiple outstanding Peoria County warrants with no bond.
The investigation remains ongoing.