A 17-year-old was charged with first-degree murder in connection with a shooting that locked down two Moline elementary schools and prompted a warning from Black Hawk College police.
Employees and students were cautioned to avoid the area of Black Hawk College after Moline Police were sent to a reported shooting about a mile from the campus at about 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, May 20, 2015, in the area of 47th Avenue and 53rd Street in Moline.
There were various early, unconfirmed reports circulating that a victim and suspect had been located in the area. Police later confirmed two victims were taken by ambulance to a local hospital. The victims were reportedly shot while they were in the driver's and front passenger's seats in a car. A third occupant, in the back seat of the car, was not hurt according to Moline Police Detective Scott Williams.
One of the victims, an 18-year-old man, died at the hospital according to Rock Island County Coroner Brian Gustafson. An autopsy was planned for Thursday, May 21 in Rockford. The other victim, a 19-year-old man, was airlifted to a hospital outside of the Quad Cities.
Before confirming a suspect was in custody, Black Hawk College campus police issued a precautionary statement confirming they were aware of the police activity.
"The Black Hawk College Police Department is monitoring reports of shots fired in the area of 4701 53rd Street Moline. No threats to campus employees have been identified. Employees and Students should avoid the area of 4701 53rd Street Moline. Again, no threats have been identified. No need to call Campus Police," the statement said.
Their 11:30 a.m. update indicated a suspect was in custody and the "situation is secure." Employees and students were cautioned to continue to avoid the area.
Police said witnesses and a police K9 helped investigators quickly find the suspect and a handgun near the scene of the shooting.
Nearby Jane Addams Elementary School, at 3520 53rd Street, and Butterworth Elementary School, at 4205 48th Street, were also locked down as a precaution, Williams said.
The 17-year-old suspect was held at the Mary Davis Juvenile Detention Center while he awaited his detention hearing and first appearance, set for Thursday morning, May 21, in Rock Island County Juvenile Court.
Online court records confirmed LaMaree Wilson-Neuleib was charged in Rock Island County Circuit Court with first-degree murder and aggravated battery with a firearm. He was jailed in lieu of $2 million bond.