(PEORIA, IL) On Saturday, January 31, 2026, at approximately 9:52 p.m., Peoria County Sheriff’s Office deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 1000 block of S. Western Avenue.
As deputies approached the vehicle, a passenger exited and fled the scene on foot. During the ensuing foot pursuit, the fleeing suspect fired multiple shots at a deputy, striking the deputy twice. The injured deputy was transported to a local hospital, where he is being treated for serious injuries.
Approximately two hours later, law enforcement officers located the suspect, identified as 51-year-old Larry D. Bell, inside an abandoned building in the 1800 block of W. Garden Street.
While attempting to take Bell into custody, he began to have seizures and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. While at the hospital, officers located illegal drugs on his person.
A search warrant was subsequently obtained for the abandoned building, where officers recovered a handgun.
Once Bell was released from the hospital, he was taken into custody and arrested on the following charges:
• Peoria County Warrant of Failure to Appear: Possession of Methamphetamine (23CF665) – No Bond
• Peoria County Warrant of Failure to Appear: Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance (24CF87) – No Bond
• Peoria County Warrant of Failure to Appear: Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver (23CF491) – No Bond
• Aggravated Battery with a Firearm
• Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon
• Armed Violence
• Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver
• Attempted Murder
Bell was transported to the Peoria County Jail.
This incident remains under investigation.
Anyone with information regarding any violent crimes is encouraged to contact the Peoria Police Department at (309) 673-4521, tip411 (anonymous), or Crime Stoppers at (309) 673-9000.
**All suspects and arrestees are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. **