Abel Castaneda has been a Rockford police officer since September 2016.

On January 20th, 2019, Castaneda was working when dispatch asked for all units to respond to a shooting involving then Assistant Deputy Chief Carla Redd. The incident happened just outside of her husband’s, Ronald Miller, church Living Faith Tabernacle.

Upon arrival, Castaneda was tasked by then lieutenant Felton to do a neighborhood canvas. Castaneda began knocking on doors where he learned

Door 1: A man who was sitting in his living room when he heard 3-4 shots outside. The man said he heard shouting but he couldn’t make out what was said. In the apartment was also a woman who said she was asleep at the time so she did not hear or see anything.

Door 2: A man who was in his bedroom when he heard 4 shots outside. He did not hear or see anything else.

Door 3: A woman who immediately called the police after she heard 4-5 shots outside her apartment while she was watching TV. The woman also heard multiple voices arguing.

Door 4: No answer

None of the above individuals had a camera outside their residence.

At 7:03 p.m. Castaneda was told to participate in a “show up” for ADC Redd. RPD cop Joshua Sims brought Alexandro Elmore back to the intersection of the church. Sims directed Alex to stand under a street light approximately 15 feet from ADC Redd. Sims made Alex do a full turn before ADC Redd said that this was the man that rammed her vehicle before exiting his vehicle and running.

Directly after this, they did the same “show up” for Ronald Miller who seconded everything ADC Redd said.

Castaneda was one of four Rockford Police officers who responded to a domestic call on September 24th, 2022.

Castaneda was in the house when 17-year-old Trayvion Bowman was simultaneously shot and tased in the back by Jordan Austin and Jacob Ditzler.

In 2019, Castaneda made $67,512 in salary + $4,724 in overtime = $72,236 + $8,060 in health insurance + $30,497 in pension pay.

In 2020, they made $72,088 in salary + $4,212 in overtime = $76,299 + $8,385 in health insurance + $33,025 in pension pay.

In 2021, they made $87,949 in salary + $4,465 in overtime = $92,411 + $8,060 in health insurance + $34,932 in pension pay.

In 2022, they made $87,155 in salary + $4,620 in overtime = $91,775 + $8,450 in health insurance + $39,700 in pension pay.

In 2023, they made $86,046 in salary + $27,548 in overtime = $113,594 + $8,450 in health insurance + $46,059 in pension pay.

In 2024, they made $86.018 in salary + $16,607 in overtime = $102,625 + $8,775 in health insurance + $52,059 in pension pay.

If you or anyone you know has been abused, harassed or otherwise mistreated by this officer please email us with the officers name in the subject.