Many Unanswered Questions in Police Involved Shooting That Killed an 18 Year-Old

ROCKFORD - Many questions are still unanswered surrounding a police involved shooting on Rockford's southwest side, Thursday.  Police confirm that they shot and killed an 18 year-old male on S. Central Avenue, but as to why remains unclear.

Neighbors say the area around S. Central Avenue and Michigan Street where the shooting took place is a relatively quiet neighborhood.  Neighbors say they're in shock, one even said she didn't know what was going on because she thought the gunshots were loud hammering.  She says she had never heard a gunshot before, and she's lived in that neighborhood practically her whole life.

The situation ensued after police say they received a distress call to a residence on Central Avenue.  Witnesses claim the male involved may have been suicidal.  When police arrived on scene the say the suspect was not cooperating and ran off.

"A foot chase ensued," said Chief Chet Epperson of Rockford Police.  "The suspect that we were looking for pulled out a handgun and he was apprehended by Rockford officers who shot and killed this individual."

In an impromptu news conference about two hours after the incident occurred, Epperson continued to say that there were three officers involved in the shooting.  They did not answer questions as to how many shots were fired and whether all three that are supposedly involved actually fired their weapon.

The unanswered questions leaves community members wondering why police shot a man which family members say was just a threat to himself.

"When everything comes out in the wash and we're able to hear these 911 tapes, that's going to really tell the story as to what took place and what was going on in the minds of our law enforcement officers when they engaged this young man," said Lloyd Johnston, president of the Rockford chapter of the NAACP.

Police say they're committed to making sure proper protocol was followed during Thursday's situation.  They say they're handing the investigation over to the proper authorities.

"Due to this being involved with the Rockford police department, I called the Illinois State Police and Winnebago County Integrity Force and Lieutenant Cavanaugh," said Epperson.

"The investigation will be turned over to the Integrity Task Force for an investigation."

Family friends say the suspect had mental issues and may have had autism.  WTVO has attained the name of the suspect, but police are not releasing that information at this time.  Police are set to hold a news conference Friday to release more information.