24-Year-Old Deputy Shot Repeatedly On Job Is Out Of Hospital After Surgery

PEORIA COUNTY, IL — The 24-year-old sheriff’s deputy who was repeatedly shot while chasing a person fleeing a traffic stop on foot in central Illinois has been released from the hospital, authorities said.

The Peoria County Sheriff’s Office announced Saturday that Deputy Jack Evans had been escorted back home by colleagues nearly a week after undergoing surgery for his wounds.

“Jack has a long road ahead, but he’s not walking it alone,” the sheriff’s office said in a social media post, thanking community members and fellow first responders for their support.

A GoFundMe for the father and military veteran had raised nearly $50,000 as of Monday afternoon.
Evans was shot twice the night of Jan. 31 in South Peoria by a vehicle passenger who fled a traffic stop on foot, according to authorities.

Charged in the shooting is 51-year-old Larry D. Bell, who faces counts of attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, armed violence, methamphetamine possession and possession of a gun by a repeat felony offender, according to Peoria County State’s Attorney Jodi Hoos.