Vehicle flees the scene, Sterling teen accidentally shoots himself: Police

STERLING, Ill. (WTVO) — Sterling Police responded to reports of a shooting victim before a vehicle fled from them, causing a pursuit.

On September 3, around 2:55 a.m., officials went to the 500 block of 3rd Avenue when they saw a car flee from a residence. Authorities started a pursuit in the belief the vehicle may be involved in the shooting, according to police.

The police said the car hit a fence at Sterling High School causing damage. The suspect eventually abandoned his vehicle and fled on foot near East Lefevre and 11th Avenue, in the Jefferson School Parking lot, authorities said.

Officials said they could not find the fleeing suspect after a K9 tried to track him. The vehicle was also reported stolen on September 2.

During the pursuit, other officers found a 17-year-old who had been shot in the leg in the 500 block of 3rd Avenue. The teen told police he was shot at a Rock Falls location and was ultimately airlifted to Javon Bae Hospital.

Later in the morning, officials said they retrieved a gun in the roadway near 5th Avenue and East 14th Street. The gun was found to be stolen from Iowa, according to authorities.

Preliminary investigation showed the teen accidentally discharged the stolen gun and struck his leg, police said. Authorities believe he was with another individual in the stolen car being pursued that night.

The suspect’s condition is unknown but it is not considered life-threatening.

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