On November 19th, 1995, around 8:30 p.m. Timothy Harper, aka Thomas Crosby, entered a Rockford McDonalds. The only people in McDonalds at that time were the employees and an off-duty but in uniform Rockford Police officer Marc Posley.
It is alleged that Harper quickly hopped over the counter demanding money while pulling a gun out. Posley shot twice at Harper hitting him once in the side.
Somehow, Harper was able to escape and make his way to the Beloit Hospital. It wasn’t long before a CrimeStoppers tip gave up Harper who was charged with armed violence, attempted armed robbery, and aggravated assault.
This was the first police shooting in Winnebago County since September 29th, 1993, two years prior.
It was the 8th police shooting of the 1990’s in Winnebago County - all previously justified.