Illinois man identified as person fatally shot by police in DeKalb last month

DEKALB, Ill. – Authorities have identified the man fatally shot by police in Kalb County after a car chase and an hours-long hostage situation last month.

The incident began around 11 p.m. on October 23, when Illinois State Police (ISP) alerted the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office about a vehicle associated with a suspected shooting in Rockford.

Officers located the vehicle at its registered address in DeKalb, but the driver fled when a traffic stop was attempted.

Officers deployed stop sticks, disabling the vehicle on Rich Road near Nelson Road. Police noted that an occupant, later identified as 42-year-old Abram Perez of Rockford, was armed with a handgun and was holding another person hostage in the vehicle.

The DeKalb County Special Operations Team and hostage negotiators were then called to the scene.

The negotiations lasted several hours, with the hostage eventually released unharmed.

Despite further attempts to de-escalate the situation, Perez refused to surrender.

Authorities said Perez suddenly pointed his firearm at police and fired several shots. Officers returned fire, fatally hitting him.

An independent investigation into the incident is underway, led by the ISP Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 1 West.

In a statement, ISP emphasized its commitment to transparency and integrity released footage of the officer-involved shooting.

No law enforcement officers were injured in the incident.

The video released by police is graphic. Viewer discretion is advised.

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