Staff, patients safely evacuated after ‘active shooter’ situation at Ill

Crusader Clinic VP of Development Linda Niemec says that some staff are still inside the building, but are in a secure location.

Crusader Community Health CEO Gordon Eggers says area law enforcement are converging to the second floor of the clinic.

Rockford Police responded to a call at the corner of 7th Street and Broadway at around 2 p.m. this afternoon. Rockford police said the shooter was quickly contained, but kept them at bay for a few hours.

One witness said that the suspect began talking to himself before brandishing his firearm and telling staff and patients to “get out” before firing two-to-five shots. No one was injured in the incident. Police have blocked off the area and those in nearby buildings are being told to stay inside, reports the station.

Officials with the clinic say the the second floor includes a medical unit with a pediatric ward, family medicine and general practitioners. However, the suspect’s family was present on the scene. Both the child and the paramedic crew are safe, and the Rockford Fire Department is standing by while police try to talk the suspected gunman down.

The suspect was taken into custody peacefully at around 6:30 p.m.

Crusader Clinic Director of Community Services Shelton Kay says everyone is okay at this time.