Belvidere Police take armed residence into custody with additional assistance

BELVIDERE – On Wednesday, Sept. 9, at approximately 9:40 p.m., Belvidere Police responded to the 600 block of Hancock Street in Belvidere for a report of an intoxicated person armed with a firearm.

A female witness reported to police that a 51-year-old male of Belvidere had made threats and warned her to leave.  As she was leaving she heard a bang and saw a flash from inside the residence.  The witness and other family members were able to escape from the residence without injury.

The situation was contained by responding Belvidere Patrol officers and Boone County Sheriff’s Deputies.  The Belvidere tactical response team and police negotiators responded to the area.

Belvidere Police requested personnel assistance from the Illinois law enforcement alarm system (ILEAS).  Following ILEAS protocol both Boone County Sheriff’s Office and Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office sent deputies to assist with the incident.

After several hours, successful negotiations resulted in the male being taken into custody without further incident.  The tactical response team secured the residence.

Belvidere Police Detectives conducted a search of the residence and located two firearms.  The investigation is ongoing.

Members of the public are reminded that these are only charges and are not proof of the defendant’s guilt.

Every defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the state’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.