Guns recovered in arrest of 4 teens linked to 9 other Rockford shootings

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — During a July 17th arrest, Rockford Police recovered several firearms linked to 9 different shootings.

During the investigation of a shooting that happened on the same day, officials arrested Javius Catlin, 18, Nazir Haywood, 18, Kevontae Jones, 18, and a 17-year-old teen for the alleged discharge of a firearm among other charges.

The incident occurred in the 1700 block of Rural Street around 7:40 p.m. A witness told authorities they saw the suspects get out of a black Dodge Avenger, which was linked to another shooting in the 4900 block of Hinsdale Avenue on July 8.

Police later found the vehicle in the 4000 block of Seward Avenue.

During a search, officials found a Glock 17 with ammunition and an extended magazine, Haywood’s identification card, cannabis, a Berreta PX4 Storm with ammunition, and an AK47 Draco in a backpack located in the resident’s backyard.

According to court documents, the Berreta PX4 Storm was linked to these cases:

• Aggravated Discharge in the 600 block of Alliance Avenue on April 10, 2019
• Aggravated Battery in the 1500 block of Post Avenue on November 27, 2023 (On the North gang members shot a Came From Nothing gang member in the head after getting off the school bus.)
• Aggravated Discharge in the 1600 block of 5th Avenue on December 1st, 2023 (OTN members shot at a 3rd World gang member.)
• Aggravated Battery in the 3300 block of Alida Street on April 6, 2024 (OTN members hosted a birthday party and CFN shot it up. OTN shot back.)
• Aggravated Battery in the 4900 block of Hinsdale Avenue on July 8, 2024 (OTN members shot at the wrong house thinking it was a CFN member’s house and struck a female victim )

The Glock 17 was linked to these cases:

• Aggravated Battery in the 200 block of Cameron Avenue on June 11, 2023
• Aggravated Discharge in the 3500 block of Elm Street on October 4, 2023
• Aggravated Battery in the 4900 block of Hinsdale Avenue on July 8, 2024
• Reckless Discharge in the 1600 block of Rural Street on July 17, 2024

Police described the shootings as part of an ongoing feud between rival gangs.

Javius Catlin, 18, was arrested and charged with Reckless Conduct and Possession of a Firearm without no Firearm Owners Identification.

Haywood was charged with Reckless Discharge, Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and No Firearm Owners Identification.

Jones was charged with Reckless Discharge, Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and No Firearm Owners Identification.

The 17-year-old teen was charged with Reckless Discharge, Obstructing Identification, Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon, No Firearm Owners Identification, and a Probation Violation.

Haywood, Jones and Catlin all were denied pretrial release and are being held in the Winnebago County Jail.

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