The Shooting of Govan Macabee

Govan Macabee on August 2nd, 1993, was a coming into Rockford from Fort Wayne, Indiana. It is unknown why he was in Rockford. Around 7 a.m. Govan walked into First Federal Savings Bank (today, that area is a Dunkin’ Donuts) on the intersection of Highcrest Road and Alpine Road in the Edgebrook Center.

Govan was armed with a Tech-9 when he attempted to rob the bank. The workers were able to hit the alarm system leading to Rockford police officers Brad Shelton and Doug Pann responding to the scene. The witwo officers parked their van across the bank in the Edgebrook Center.

They were able to see Govan as he ran from the bank into some trees and bushes next to the bank.

Govan made a run towards the business in the shopping center and ran along the sidewalk.

This is when the shootout began. Govan firing his Tech-9 and the two RPD cops following from a distance shooting back. The shots stopped briefly until Govan reached the corner where The Atrium (today that area is Lucha Cantina) is and the shots began again.

Also, responding to the scene was off duty Winnebago County Sheriff Deputy Robert Humphries who was waiting in the upper parking lot. As soon as he saw Govan enter that parking lot, he opened fire, shooting him in the leg.

Govan was shot three times.

Over 40 shots were fired during the incident on a Tuesday morning. Businesses were open and there were plenty of cars in the parking lot.

Several of the cars had been hit in the crossfire with multiple suffering flat tires. At least two bullets went through the business windows - only the police had businesses in their line of fire.