STERLING, Ill. — A teenage employee was injured Wednesday evening after being shot at a Sterling restaurant.
According to a Sterling Police Department news release, officials responded to Pizza Ranch, located at 3900 East Lincolnway, just before 8 p.m. following a reported shooting. A caller said that one person had been shot and that a suspect fled the scene on foot.
Officials said that restaurant patrons and employees had either fled or were barricaded inside the store when first responders arrived. The shooter was determined to have fled the location before officials arrived.
The victim, identified as a 17-year-old male from Rock Falls and a restaurant employee, was determined to have been shot in the neck area. They were transported to a local hospital and treated for their injuries before being released.
Authorities were able to locate and apprehend the suspect, identified as a 17-year-old male, at a Rock Falls residence around 10:15 p.m. without incident. He was charged with the following:
- Attempted murder
- Aggravated battery with a firearm
- Burglary
- Unlawful possession of a stolen firearm
The shooting investigation is ongoing.