Afternoon News Update: February 24

Rockford police are investigating the attempted kidnapping of three young children. The incident happened on the city’s west side this morning around 10am near Elm and Howard. Police say a white man in his 40s tried luring the girls, all between the ages of six and nine, into his truck with candy. The girls refused the offer and the suspect drove away. Anyone with information is urged to contact Rockford Police or Crime Stoppers.
The trial has begun for a man accused of killing a women then leading police on a massive manhunt. A jury is being selected for the murder trial of Kody Walsh, who allegedly shot 36-year-old Lori Daniels in the head. The shooting happened back in September of 2012. Walsh was apprehended after leading police in Tennessee on a high-speed chase spanning three counties.
The victim who died in an early morning crash on Sunday in Rockford has been identified. 22-year-old Derek Ellis of Rockford was pronounced dead at the scene. The single car crash happened near Summit and Greenwood. There were three people in the car including Ellis, who was in the back, a front seat passenger and 20-year-old Martel Ford, who was driving. The front seat passenger and Ford were transported to a local hospital for their injuries. Drugs, alcohol and speed appear to be contributing factors in the crash.
The Rockford Police Pilot District has made a drug bust. 22-year-old Jhordyn Ford was arrested last night for possession with intent to deliver. Officials say he was selling cocaine from a home in the 400 block of North 2^nd Street. Officers also located cannabis, a loaded handgun and cash. Ford is now behind bars with no bond on felony charges.
The name of the suspect who allegedly sexually assaulted a child in Janesville has been released. 48-year-old Kenneth Kimpel was arrested for second degree assault to a child. The incident took place Friday in the 400 block of West Delavan Drive. The victim reports Kimpel committed the assault in his garage. He’s being held at the Rock County Jail.
A long time Freeport officer has passed away. 48-year-old Mark Otto died this morning in his home. Otto spent 24 years serving in the Freeport Police Department. An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday.
The Rockford Crop Hunger Movement has raised thousands of dollars for local pantries. Their hunger walk was held back in October, but they just received a check from it for just over $11,000. All of the money was giving today to the Greater Rockford Pantry Coalition. According to officials, many Stateline pantries see over 200 families each night they are open.
Filling up your gas tank isn’t getting any easier as gas prices in Rockford are trending upwards. According to gasbuddy.com, average prices went up about six cents and are now at $3.46/gallon. Experts say we should expect prices to keep going up. Drivers have already seen gas prices jump up 18 cents in the past month.

Categories: News