NTA FM Local News

Motorcyclist injured at North Longwood and Rural Streets

Ken Decoster — Sun, 19 May 2013 22:16:00 GMT

Rockford Police say a motorcyclist was injured early Sunday morning during a single vehicle crash at North Longwood and Rural Streets. Police say they responded to the crash shortly after 2 a.m.Sunday. Police say the driver, described as a 40 year old male, suffered serious injuries. The man's name had not been released as of Sunday afternoon. Police say no other vehicles were involved in the incident.

Shots fired Sunday afternoon at Montague and Central

Ken Decoster — Sun, 19 May 2013 21:25:00 GMT

Rockford Police say the occupants of two cars apparently exchanged gunfire Sunday afternoon at the intersection of Montague and Central. Police say they responded to reports of shots fired in that area shortly after 2 p.m. Sunday. Police say officers recovered ten shell casings in the area. A residence and a vehicle in th 1300 block of Montague were both hit by gunfire but there are no reports of any injuries. Witnesses describe the vehicles involved as a small silver car...perhaps a Mercury...and a smaller blue car...perhaps a Chevy or a Pontiac G-6.

11th Street Burger King is robbed

Ken Decoster — Sun, 19 May 2013 21:21:00 GMT

Two people are charged with an armed robbery Sunday morning at the Burger King restaurant, 2434 11th Street. Police say a suspect armed with a handgun robbed the business at approximately 9 a.m. Sunday. The supect was given some cash and fled. Police say a short time later...they located the suspect's vehicle at the 2600 block of 20th Avenue. 28 year old Christopher L. Tillman of Janesville, Wisconsin and 27 year old Echo M. Miller of Rockford are both charged with Armed Robbery and Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery.

11th Steet hit and run fatality arrest

Ken Decoster — Sun, 19 May 2013 21:18:00 GMT

An arrest is made in last Wednesday night's hit and run fatality involving a motorcyclist. 45 year old cyclist Scott Zwiefelhofer was riding southbound at the 32-hundred block of 11th Street when his motorcycle was hit by a northbound SUV. Police say the SUV did not stop after the crash. Zwiefelhofer was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. Police found the suspect vehicle in the area the next morning. Police say 30 year old Ryan Banks is charged with Failure to Report an Accident and additional charges are expected. Police say at least one other individual may be charged in the hit and run incident.

Woman shot to death...man arrested

Ken Decoster — Sun, 19 May 2013 21:13:00 GMT

An arrest is made in Rockford's most recent murder. 22 year old Katelynn Gourley was shot to death early Saturday morning at the 600 block of College Avenue. Police say the victim was found in a driveway of a residence shortly before 3:30 a.m. Saturday. She was pronounced dead at the scene. 20 year old John M. Boose of Rockford is charged with First Degree Murder and Unlawful Use of a Weapon by a Felon. Police say Boose turned himself in Saturday evening. Authorities say Boose is currently on probation in Winnebago County. Police say they recovered two firearms during the course of their investigation.

Woman pistol whipped

Ken Decoster — Fri, 17 May 2013 11:08:00 GMT

Rockford Police say a woman was pistol whipped early this morning at the 1700 block of 111th Street. The victim tells police she was standing outside of her apartment when two or three white male suspects approached her. One suspect pulled a gun and pointed it at the woman. A struggle ensued and the suspect struck the woman on her forehead with the gun. The woman suffered minor injuries. The suspects drove off. The victim says she doesn't know her attackers and has no idea why they approached her. The supect with the gun is described as a white male in his 20's, 5'4, and 130 pounds. He was dressed in all black clothing.

Reclaiming First passes Illinois House

Ken Decoster — Fri, 17 May 2013 10:28:00 GMT

Reclaiming First clears another legislative hurdle. The Illinois House of Representatives Thursday approved legislation which gives Winnebago County officials the authority to increase the local hotel room tax by two percentage points. Proceeds from the higher hotel tax would go towards upgrading Sportscores One and Two and converting the Ingersoll Building in Downtown Rockford into an amateur sports facility.State Representative Joe Sosnowski says the legislation will help the local economy by bringing participants and their families to the region which will increase the amount of money spent at local restaurants and other area busineses.

Rockford man sentenced to prison for involuntary manslaughter

Ken Decoster — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:52:00 GMT

A Rockford man convicted of involuntary manslaughter earlier this year is being sentenced to five years in prison. Prosecutors say 60 year old Raymond Gitchell fatally stabbed 47 year old Terry Johnson at Gitchell's house at the 1800 block of South Fourth Street in December of 2011. Prosecutors say the two men had been arguing. Gitchell was also sentenced to one year of mandatory supervised release.

Motorcyclist killed in hit and run crash on 11th Street

Ken Decoster — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:12:00 GMT

A hit-and-run crash on Rockford's southeast side Wednesday night has turned fatal. Police say a motorcycle heading south at the 3200 block of 11th Street was hit by a northbound Sport Utility Vehicle that apparently turned in front of the motorcycle. The cyclist, 46 year old Scott Zwiefelhofer of Rockford , was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. Police this morning found the hit and run vehicle described as a white 2002 GMC Envoy with front end damage. Police say the vehicle was found abandoned near the intersection of Sewell Street and Alton Avenue. So far...no arrests in this incident.

Two businesses robbed at gunpoint

Ken Decoster — Wed, 15 May 2013 12:16:00 GMT

Rockford Police investigate a pair of armed robberies to local businesses. Police say a man with a gun robbed Dollar General, 3214 Auburn Street, at approximately 8:40 Tuesday night. The suspect was given some cash and then fled the store on foot. The suspect is described as a black man in his mid 30's. Police say he was wearing jeans, black shoes, a dark colored shirt, and a blue baseball cap. Police say a man robbed Road Ranger, 5330 East State Street, shortly before 4:30 this morning. Police say the suspect was given some cash and fled on foot, The suspect is described as a 30 year old black male with a thin build. He was wearing a dark colored hoodie. No one was hurt during either robbery.