Illinois Man Leads Rockford Police on Chase After Shots Fired

Rockford Police have a man in custody after he fled from officers on the city's northside on Thursday night (2/29).

Rockford SCOPE Team Responds to Shots Fired

According to a press release from the Rockford PD, the SCOPE team (Specialized Community Oriented Police Enforcement) responded to a report of shots fired around 8:32 pm on Thursday in the area of Sablewood Drive and Sitka Lane.

When arriving on the scene, officers noticed a vehicle in the area that had suspended license plates, and when they attempted to make a traffic stop the vehicle fled.

READ MORE: IL Man Charged in Rockford Murder from 3 Years Ago

The suspect fled at "a high rate of speed" from Rockford Police and moments later discovered the vehicle slammed into a retaining wall by the exit ramp on N. Second Street.

Suspect Flees, Struggles with Rockford Police

Rockford Police say the driver of the vehicle ran from the scene of the crash on N. Second Street but was arrested following "a brief struggle." Officers on the scene recovered a loaded handgun during the incident, according to the press release.

The suspect was identified as 44-year-old Demario Flemming of Rockford who has been charged with multiple weapons offenses.

Charges have been filed by the Winnebago County State's Attorney's Office against Demariio Flemming and include:

• Armed Habitual Criminal
• Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon
• Unlawful Use of a Weapon by a Felon
• Aggravated Fleeing to Elude
• 2 Counts of Resisting Arrest

In the press release, Rockford Police said these "charges are merely accusations and all individuals are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law."

More charges are possible in this incident, and if more information becomes available, this story will be updated.