ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — A woman is dead after a shooting at a Rockford meat market.
Police were called to Pinnon’s on North Court Street and Fulton Avenue around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. It is not clear if the victim, a 63-year-old woman, was shot inside or outside of the store.
She was taken to the hospital, where the coroner’s office confirmed that she died.
Whole worried and upset at the situation, residents were not completely shocked. The gun violence is a constant in the area, and many are saddened that it took place at beloved local business this time.
“It is absolutely horrible,” said Johnny Nelson, a resident of the neighborhood. “I mean, this is something that’s been going on in Rockford for quite some time. The northwest side is getting choked out. It goes on all the time, people kind of bury it. It’s sad, they shouldn’t. I mean, everyone should remember what’s going on.”
Neighbors came out as police investigated the deadly shooting, checking in on how one of their own was holding up. The business has been in the area for decades.
“They’re family to me, I walk in there every day,” Nelson said. “I go through the back door, and I know the Bakers and the girls who took over.”
While Pinnon’s has stuck it out, neighbors fear that the violence will chase many residents away.
“We have a lot of people moving out of the neighborhood, and I don’t like that,” Nelson said. “I like to stick around, I’m not going anywhere.”
While Nelson has no plans to leave, he has been upgrading his home’s security system by adding multiple cameras.
“I started putting them up five years ago from all those things that are going on around here,” he said. “I actually have signs here that actually say ‘smile, you’re on camera or ring,’ and they see that and they rush away real quick, so it does help.”
Police have not released any information about a suspect. Any information should be given to the Rockford Police Department, (815) 966-2900, or Rockford Area Crime Stoppers, (815) 963-7867
