City of Rock Island, IL

01/19/2022 | News release | Distributed by Public on 01/19/2022 10:27

For Immediate Release

On Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at approximately 10:54 P.M. the Rock Island Police Department responded to a report of an armed robbery that had just occurred at Blackhawk Tobacco & Vape, 2733 18th Avenue.

Three masked suspects, one armed with a handgun, entered the store and began threatening employees and demanding merchandise. During the course of the robbery, one of the employees withdrew a handgun and fired several shots at the suspects. The three suspects fled from the store and were last seen running away from the scene.

Shortly after receiving this call, another call was received reporting that a subject with a gunshot wound was at an address in the 1700 block of Lincoln Court. When officers arrived they learned that the wounded subject had been transported by private vehicle to a hospital in Davenport, IA. This subject later arrived at Genesis East Hospital and was declared deceased.

Officers subsequently located a second wounded subject in the 2100 block of 16th Avenue. This subject was transported by RIFD ambulance to UnityPoint Trinity Hospital. This subject is in serious but stable condition.

The deceased and wounded subject have been identified as two of the three suspects that committed the armed robbery. The third suspect is still being sought by police. The identities of the suspects is not being released at this time.

Detectives from the Criminal Investigation Division are investigating the case and have been in consultation with States Attorney Dora Villarreal. Search warrants have been obtained and executed that have resulted in additional evidence being collected, and criminal charges are pending on the suspects. States Attorney Villarreal will be releasing a statement as to her review of the employee's use of deadly force against the armed robbery suspects.

Anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact the Rock Island Police Department at (309) 732-2677 or Crime Stoppers at (309) 762-9500 or using the P3 Tips app.