A.O. : South Beloit Detective Cleared in Teen Shooting

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. South Beloit police shooting cleared
2. Teen traffic stop shooting investigation

The Winnebago County State’s Attorney has deemed the actions of a South Beloit police detective as justified after he shot a teenage girl during a traffic stop near the Illinois/Wisconsin state line. Detective Paul Reed’s actions were deemed necessary for self-protection after an investigation by the Winnebago Boone Integrity Task Force. The incident occurred when Reed recognized the driver as a wanted suspect and attempted to make an arrest, resulting in a struggle that led to the detective firing his gun and injuring the teen. The suspect, Ray Castro, later carjacked a vehicle and was shot by a Roscoe police sergeant. The investigation into the second shooting is ongoing.

Police Detective Justified in Shooting Teenage Girl During Traffic Stop

In a recent incident near the Illinois/Wisconsin state line, the Winnebago County State’s Attorney has ruled that a South Beloit police detective was justified in shooting a teenage girl during a traffic stop. The incident took place on the morning of March 16, when Detective Paul Reed encountered the girl and a wanted suspect near Gardner Street in Winnebago County, Illinois.

Review by Winnebago Boone Integrity Task Force

Following the incident, the Winnebago Boone Integrity Task Force conducted a thorough review of the evidence. They concluded that Detective Reed’s actions were necessary to protect himself during the encounter. Video evidence, statements from other responding officers, and the teenage girl’s mother, who was on the phone during the traffic stop, all corroborated Reed’s version of events.

Details of the Traffic Stop

According to investigators, Detective Reed spotted a red Saturn Outlook on IL 251, driven by a teenage girl identified as A.O., with a passenger believed to be wanted suspect Ray Castro. Reed pulled over the vehicle for a speeding violation and called for backup. During the stop, A.O. provided her license while Castro initially gave a false name. When police attempted to arrest Castro on outstanding warrants, a struggle ensued.

Shooting and Subsequent Events

During the struggle, Detective Reed found himself pinned under Castro inside the vehicle, with A.O. stepping on the gas. In response, Reed fired his gun, hitting A.O. in the right leg. The SUV then veered across lanes on IL 251 before landing in a ditch. A.O. was treated and released from a nearby hospital. Meanwhile, Castro fled the scene, carjacking an elderly employee at Macktown Lounge before being shot by Sergeant Robert Lewis of the Roscoe Police Department.

Investigation by Wisconsin Department of Justice

The Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation, is currently handling the investigation into the shooting involving Sergeant Lewis. As of now, no decision has been announced, and Lewis remains on administrative leave during the investigation.

Conclusion

The incident near the Illinois/Wisconsin state line has sparked controversy and raised questions about police actions during traffic stops. As investigations continue, the community awaits further updates on the events that unfolded on that fateful day.