On September 20th, 1998, Rockford police officer Sara Hancock responded to a domestic call in the 400 block of Jilsen Avenue.
Hancock spoke to the victim then went inside the residence to find Lonell Jones in the living room.
RPD officer Jim Lake responded and joined Hancock and Lonell in the living room.
It’s alleged that Lonell pulled a pocket knife out and moved towards the officers when Hancock shot once - hitting Lonell in the stomach.
Rockford Register Star reporter Chris Green reported on the Rockford police department procedures at the time:
Automatically is referred to the Winnebago County State’s Attorney Office and submitted to a grand jury for review.
The officer involved is required to take three days off with pay during the investigation.
The officer is assigned to administrative duties until after the grand jury’s deliberations.
This was the first shooting by a female Rockford police officer.
This was the second Rockford police shooting in 1998.
This was the 14th police shooting in Winnebago County. All had been justified.