KEWANEE — Samuel Guzman, 34, of Kewanee, was taken into custody Tuesday after police say he shot a 20‑year‑old man during an argument on North Boss Street.
Officers with the Kewanee Police Department responded at about 1:26 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2 to the 200 block of North Boss Street after receiving a 911 call reporting that a man had suffered a gunshot wound. When officers arrived, they found the victim with a gunshot wound to the abdomen.
Kewanee Fire Department personnel provided medical aid at the scene, and the victim was taken to OSF Saint Luke Medical Center before being flown by Life Flight to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria. Police said the victim is expected to survive.
According to the news release, during the initial response, officers received suspect and vehicle information. A short time later, an officer located the vehicle and conducted a felony traffic stop in the 2000 block of Kentville Road. Guzman was arrested without incident.
Police said Guzman and the victim knew each other and had been arguing before the shooting. During the altercation, Guzman allegedly retrieved a firearm and shot the victim in the stomach. The victim was able to disarm Guzman, who fled the scene before being apprehended.
The investigation included interviews with witnesses and the suspect, review of video footage and collection of evidence. The Illinois State Police assisted with evidence processing, and the suspected firearm was recovered.
Guzman was taken to the Henry County Jail.
On June 3, the Henry County State’s Attorney’s Office filed the following charges against him:
Attempted murder (Class X felony)
Aggravated battery with a firearm (Class X felony)
Possession of a weapon by a felon (Class 2 felony)
Possession of a defaced firearm (Class 3 felony)
A Class X felony carries a potential sentence of six to 30 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Some charges may also be subject to sentencing enhancements.
Police say the investigation remains active. The KPD thanked the KFD, Henry County Sheriff’s Office, ISP and state’s attorney’s office for their assistance.
