McHenry County Sheriff’s Deputy killed in Rockford

       Deputy Sheriff Jacob Keltner
Floyd Brown
McHenry County Sheriff’s Deputy killed in Rockford
On Thursday, March 7, 2019 at approximately 9:15 a.m., Rockford Police officers responded to the Extended Stay America (747 North Bell School Road) for a call to assist U.S. Marshals in reference to a report of shots fired.
The U.S. Marshal’s Task Force was attempting to arrest 39-year-old Floyd Brown, of Springfield, Ill, on an outstanding warrant. McHenry County Deputy Sheriff Jacob Keltner, sworn as a Special Deputy U.S. Marshal assigned to the U.S. Marshal’s Task Force, was struck by gunfire outside the hotel. He was transported to a hospital in critical condition.
A female acquaintance of the suspect was also shot during the incident. The preliminary investigation shows that no rounds were fired by any law enforcement. The female’s injuries were likely sustained by gunfire from Brown, who was apparently using a rifle. She was treated and released for non-life-threatening injuries from a local hospital.
Brown fled the area in a gray or silver Mercury Grand Marquis with an Illinois license plate number of BFI3112. Brown was believed to be armed and dangerous. That information was broadcast to law enforcement agencies across Illinois and Wisconsin.
Troopers from the Illinois State Police later located the suspect vehicle southbound on Interstate 55 between Bloomington and Springfield. When troopers attempted to stop the suspect vehicle, it crashed and the suspect barricaded himself in the vehicle.
Illinois State Police pursue, arrest wanted suspect
After a Multi-County Pursuit and a six-hour standoff wanted suspect is now in ISP Custody
On March 7, 2019, at approximately 9:15 a.m. Illinois State Police (ISP) officials responded to the Extended Stay America Hotel in Rockford, Ill. to assist with reports of an Active Shooter.
At some point during the ongoing incident at the hotel, the suspect fled the area in his vehicle. At approximately, 10:45 a.m., ISP District 6 Troopers spotted the suspect traveling on Interstate 39 at Milepost 8, and a pursuit ensued; during the pursuit, the suspect displayed a rifle. The pursuit lasted approximately 30 minutes at speeds well in excess of 100 mph in inclement weather and adverse road conditions. The pursuit came to an end on Interstate 55 at Milepost 132.5, after which ISP officers on scene struck the suspect’s vehicle in an attempt to terminate the pursuit for the safety of the public.
After the suspect’s vehicle was struck, the vehicle came to a rest in a ditch. The suspect exited and re-entered the vehicle, before proceeding to barricade himself inside of the vehicle for approximately 6 hours.
Additional ISP officers, including ISP SWAT personnel and ISP crisis negotiators, as well as various other law enforcement agencies assisted in various aspects of the incident including the following: Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Marshal Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Illinois Secretary of State Police, Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police, Logan County Sheriff’s Office, Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office, McLean County Sheriff’s Office, Springfield Police Department, Bloomington Police Department, and the Lincoln Police Department.
At approximately 5 p.m., the suspect was taken into custody without incident. The suspect is being transported to a local area hospital for non-life threatening injuries he sustained during the crash. The suspect is currently in ISP custody, and will eventually be turned over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
“First and foremost, we would like to extend our deepest condolences to the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office and the family of Deputy Keltner,” stated ISP Acting Director Brendan F. Kelly.
“The men and women of the Illinois State Police, including responding Troopers from District 16, District 1, District 15, District 6, District 8, and District 9, all responded with seamless professionalism alongside the law enforcement of this state.
“ISP’s SWAT team in particular showed incredible tactical restraint, bravery and boldness today. This dark day has come to an end, and this defendant can now be brought to justice,” concluded Acting Director Kelly.
McHenry County Sheriff Prim gives statement regarding line-of-duty death
Deputy Sheriff Jacob Keltner – End of Watch March 7, 2019
“It is with great sadness I announce today the passing away of Deputy Sheriff Jacob Keltner, who was shot this morning in the line of duty and subsequently died in the hospital.
“Other police agencies, federal, state and local, are at work on this investigation and authoritative information will come from them at the appropriate time, so I will not dwell on the circumstances that gave rise to his untimely death.
“For those of us in the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, this is bitter news. Deputy Keltner was an integral part of our office, someone who had risen quickly to greater responsibilities after he was first sworn in in 2006. He was loved and respected by all his colleagues, and he will be sorely missed.
“I would like to take this opportunity to note the overwhelming support our Office has received from law enforcement at the federal, state and local level. Other Sheriff’s Offices, such as Winnebago County and DuPage County, have stood by us as the tragic events of this morning unfolded, and throughout this afternoon, and I am sure they will continue to do so.
Further, I would like to commend the Rockford Police Department and the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office for their rapid and comprehensive responses in, first, handling a dangerous crime scene this morning, and then

securing the area as the day went on. Their professionalism was truly outstanding. And we appreciate also the exceptional dedication of the Illinois State Police, who brought the offender into custody without further injury.
I have every confidence that the people of McHenry County will come together as a community to mourn this fine young man and support his family and colleagues through this difficult time.
As this horrible unimaginable day draws to an end we would like to take a moment to say this:
As we escorted our fallen officer, Deputy Jacob Keltner, to the Winnebago County Coroners Office tonight we saw you.
We saw the groups standing out in the cold with their blue line and American flags waving.
We saw the men, women, and children standing at attention.
We saw the people who stopped in traffic and got out of their cars with their hands over their hearts.
We saw the businesses who let their employees stand outside to pay their respects.
We saw the car dealerships with all the cars in their lots, lights flashing.
We saw the respect paid by the hospital staff, the EMS, and firefighters.
We saw all the agencies that came to show their support and join in our procession.
We saw you tonight and we want to thank you for your support.
Representative Joe Sosnowski gives statement on shooting in Rockford
State Representative Joe Sosnowski, R-Rockford, issued the following statement in response to the shooting of a McHenry County sheriff’s officer assigned to the U.S. Marshals Service today during an attempt to serve a warrant:
“Our law enforcement personnel put their lives on the line each and every day to protect our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the officer and their family at this time. I would like to express my appreciation to the multiple law enforcement agencies who responded to the scene and the Illinois State Police who tracked the suspect all the way to central Illinois after he fled. Their bravery and service is exemplary.”
Bustos gives statement on killing of Sheriff’s Deputy
Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) released the following statement after a sheriff’s deputy was killed by a gunman in Rockford:
“My heart aches for the McHenry County Sheriff’s deputy who was shot and killed this morning – and I join the community of Rockford and all Americans to pray for him and his family. As the wife of a sheriff, I know today is the nightmare any family of a law enforcement officer fears and the phone call one prays they never have to pick up. Our brave law enforcement officers put their lives on the line for our communities, and I want to thank the first responders who were at the scene today.”