Afternoon News Update: Monday January 19, Martin Luther King Day
- Authorities are responding to a shooting incident in Beloit. Three people were shot and wounded this afternoon at the intersection of Porter Avenue and Randall street. The call came in just before two and officials still remain on the scene according to the Beloit Police Department. Our partners at Eyewitness News report that one of the victims ran and was found at a nearby location, but it was unclear if he was shot. All of the victims were taken to a local hospital and their conditions are unknown. 1440 WROK will bring you the latest as soon as it develops.
- Beloit College has unveiled initiatives aimed at reducing the college's energy and water consumption over the next three years. The plan was formed by a committee of Beloit College faculty, staff and students, and was released to the campus and community Monday. It calls for the college to incorporate best practices in the classroom and college business decisions. Goals include a reduction of water, food waste, and an increase in recycling.
- A Wisconsin man is now behind bars and charged with felony auto theft after he stole a car with an infant in the backseat. 22-year-old Jose Gomez-Perez reportedly stole the car that was parked at a gas station in the 2700 block of Milwaukee Road. He ended up crashing into a machine shed nearby. The 10-month-old child sustained minor injuries and is recovering. Police are also saying Gomez-Perez was a suspect in another car theft in Beloit.
- A crash at O’Hare Airport has sent 4 people to area hospitals. A collision involving airport employees on a service road took place around 1 a.m. this morning. Flight operations were not affected.
- Illinois residents shouldn't expect speedy state income tax returns this year.The Illinois Department of Revenue says they'll be delayed by new security measures being implemented to deter identity theft and fraud. It could take a week or longer to get returns once taxes are filed. Both paper and electronic filings will be affected, though electronic filings still will be quicker. State workers aren't identifying the safety measures that are being used to prevent someone from bypassing them.
- Churches, community groups, and public officials plan volunteer events and services to mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day across the Rockford area. In Rockford, the Yes Club is now hosting an event of song and dance. It takes place until 3 at the Mendelssohn Hall Auditorium. Beloit College is hosting its 11th annual convocation address in honor of Dr. King. The title of that message is "A Dream Deferred." It is at 4:15 at the college's Eaton Chapel. Both events are free and open to the public.
- Police arrested a Janesville man this weekend after a traffic stop turned into a car chase. Police were called to the Wal-Mart near Deerfield Drive on Saturday night for an investigation involving 53-year-old Russell Haman. He fled from police in Green County Friday afternoon. Haman was wanted for felonies in both Wisconsin, and Illinois. Janesville officers say Haman fled again Friday night, before crashing into another car, and then ran from police on foot. The crash injured a 49-year-old woman.
- A Janesville man is on the run after police say he attacked his female roommate. 34-year-old Seth Hansen allegedly fired a gun inside of his home near 84 Falling Creek Circle during an argument. When police were called, he fled the scene driving a blue 2015 Chevy Impala rental car. Anyone with information on his location should call Janesville Police.
- Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner is expected to sign an executive order his office says is intended to empower veterans and minorities. Rauner has issued several executive orders since taking office last week.
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