Suspect shoots Peoria County sheriff's deputy during traffic stop, police say

PEORIA, Ill. (WLS) -- A central Illinois sheriff's deputy was injured in a shooting on Saturday evening, officials said.

The Peoria Police Department said Peoria County Sheriff's Office deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 1000-block of South Western Avenue just before 10 p.m.

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As deputies approached the vehicle, a passenger got out and fled the scene on foot, police said. The suspect fired multiple shots at a deputy, striking him twice.

The deputy was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries. Police said said he underwent surgery for multiple gunshot wounds overnight and is in stable condition.

Police said law enforcement officers found the suspect two hours later, inside an abandoned building in the 1800-block of West Garden Street.

When authorities tried to take the suspect, 51-year-old Larry D. Bell, into custody, he began having seizures and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. While at the hospital, officers found illegal drugs on Bell.

Officers also executed a search warrant at the abandoned building, where they found a handgun.

Once Bell was released from the hospital, he was taken into custody and arrested for attempted murder, armed violence, aggravated battery with a firearm, and possession of methamphetamine, among other charges. He was transported to the Peoria County Jail.

Police said the injured deputy, a three-year veteran of the department, faces a long recovery.

The incident is under investigation.

The Peoria Police Department asked anyone with information to contact them at (309) 673-4521, tip411 (anonymous), or Crime Stoppers at (309) 673-9000.