Illinois man identified as fatally shot by DeKalb police last month

DEKALB, sick. – Authorities have identified the man who was fatally shot by police officers in DeKalb County following a car chase and hours-long hostage standoff last month.

The incident began around 11 p.m. on October 23 when Illinois State Police (ISP) notified the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office of a vehicle related to a suspected shooting in Rockford.

Officers located the vehicle at its registered address in DeKalb, but the driver fled when they attempted to stop him.

Deputies deployed stop sticks, blocking the vehicle on Rich Road near Nelson Road. Police observed that one of the passengers, later identified as 42-year-old Abram Perez of Rockford, was armed with a handgun and was holding another person hostage in the vehicle.

The DeKalb County Special Operations Team and hostage negotiators were then called to the scene.

Negotiations lasted several hours, during which the hostage was finally released unharmed.

Despite further attempts to de-escalate the situation, Perez refused to surrender.

Authorities said Perez suddenly pointed his firearm at police and fired multiple shots. The officers returned fire, dealing him a fatal blow.

An independent investigation into the incident is ongoing by Criminal Investigations Unit 1 West, ISP Division.

In a statement, the ISP stressed its commitment to transparency and honesty and shared the footage about an officer-involved shooting.

No law enforcement officers were injured in the incident.

The video published by the police is graphic. Viewer discretion is advised.

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