An off-duty deputy shot and killed a 16-year-old and critically injured three others during a robbery at a Rockford pizzeria.
The deputy involved in the Saturday night shooting is a 29-year-old U.S. Army veteran who served in Iraq, according to Winnebago County Sheriff Richard Meyers. Meyers did not identify the deputy, who was put on paid administrative leave.
The deputy was talking with a friend at the restaurant when the suspects entered the business, acccording to Rockford Police Chief Chet Epperson.One of the suspects pointed a handgun at the deputy and his friend. A struggle ensued and the deputy used an employee's handgun to shoot the suspects.
The 16-year-old died at the scene. Epperson says the other three suspects were treated for life-threatening injuries.
Shooting in Rockford
One robber dead, three others with "life-threatening injuries." And an employee's handgun was readily available to defend the lives of the other workers and patrons. Nice shooting deputy.