PEORIA – Saturday, Feb. 7 was a “great day” for the Peoria County Sheriff’s Office as Deputy Jack Evans returned home from the hospital.
The 24-year-old was shot and seriously injured on Jan. 31 after a traffic stop gave way to a foot chase.
Prosecutors say Evans followed 51-year-old Larry Bell for about a block before turning a corner to find Bell with a gun drawn. Evans was shot in the leg and the abdomen.
Jack Evans, Peoria County sheriff’s deputy.
Bell now faces charges, including attempted first-degree murder, and will remain in custody ahead of his trial.
A GoFundMe set up by Evans’ sister said the deputy needed emergency surgery and faced “a long and challenging recovery.” By Sunday morning, the fundraiser had surpassed its $10,000 goal – with over $47,000 being raised to support Evans’ recovery.
The Peoria County Sheriff’s Office also thanked the community for its encouragement, supportive messages and prayers. It said the support has “been felt by Jack, his family, and every member of our office.”
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The Sheriff’s Office also thanked the Peoria Police Department and local fire departments for their support.
“Jack has a long road ahead, but he’s not walking it alone,” the Sheriff’s Office said.
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This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Deputy shot in Peoria during foot chase released from hospital