Rockford Police Make Two Separate Gun Arrests Within One Hour

Rockford Police made two significant arrests following separate incidents involving firearms and narcotics over the weekend.

Two Arrested in Early Morning Incidents

According to a press release from the Rockford Police Department, officers responded to a ShotSpotter alert around 1:05 am on Saturday (5/31) in the 700 block of 7th Avenue.

READ MORE: Rockford Residents Being Urged to Flush Water Lines

When they arrived on the scene, RPD located multiple shell casings in the area and observed a vehicle attempting to flee the area.

After officers were able to make a traffic stop on the vehicle, they discovered a passenger carrying a handgun with an automatic switch. He was identified as 24-year-old William Pouncy of Rockford.

Pouncy is facing serious charges, including:

• Unlawful Use of Weapons
• Aggravated Unlawful Possession of a Weapon
• No Valid FOID

Second Arrest Made Within the Hour

Less than an hour later, at approximately 1:40 a.m., Rockford Police SCOPE officers conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of N. Church and Mulberry Streets.

The driver of the vehicle attempted to flee from authorities but was quickly apprehended and was identified as 31-year-old Pierre Watson of Rockford.

During a search of the vehicle, officers recovered a loaded handgun, cannabis, and an open bottle of alcohol, according to the report.

Watson is currently charged with the following:

• Possession of a Firearm by a Repeat Felony Offender
• Resisting Arrest
• Unlawful Use of Weapons by a Felon
• No Valid FOID
• Unlawful Possession of Cannabis
• Multiple Traffic Citations

According to the press release, both men are being held in the Winnebago County Jail.

Get our free mobile app

Anyone with information about either incident should contact the Rockford Police at 815-966-2900 or submit an anonymous tip through Rockford Area Crime Stoppers at 815-963-7867.