Belvidere police seek public’s assistance in locating suspect By Tricia Goecks EDITOR BELVIDERE - The Belvidere Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating the whereabouts of Michael E. Spraggins, 46, from Belvidere. He is considered to be armed, dangerous and suicidal and is believed to still be in the greater Rockford area. “We are requesting additional assistance from the public in an attempt to locate Michael E Spraggins,” Belvidere chief of police Jan Noble said. “We are hoping that someone out there will call Crime Stoppers at (815) 547-7867 or the police department. (815) 544-2135.” At 7:41 a.m. on Jan. 2, the Belvidere Police Department received a request for a welfare check on a residence located in an apartment at 2112 Tobyne Drive in Belvidere. Belvidere police officers immediately responded to the scene. “When they got on scene there was concern about the individual in the apartment, and additional information was obtained that subsequently entry was gained. Upon gaining entry, they found the deceased,” Noble said. “Officers responding on scene were able to determine that the victim had been deceased for a short while.” The deceased was identified as Rachael Ross Gordon, 41 of Rockford who was shot in the upper torso. Based on information received from family members, Spraggins was immediately identified as a person of interest. As the investigation continued, the search for Spraggins increased from a person of interest to a suspect. “The investigation is ongoing, and we believe we have a very good case as we are beginning to unfold,” Noble said. “It appeared to be of a domestic nature.” A warrant for first degree murder with a 5,000,000 (10%) bond was issued for Spraggins. Police Chief Noble declined to specify the relationship between Ross Golden and Spraggins. In July 2014, Spraggins filed for an order of protection against Ross Golden in Winnebago County. The case was subsequently dismissed. The Belvidere Police Department was aided in the investigation by the Boone County Sheriff’s Department and the Illinois State Police. Belvidere deputy chief of police Mark Pollock praised the assistance that the police department received. “Nice work today by everyone involved, dispatch, patrol and investigations. Thanks to the Deputies that responded to Sergeant Martin’s request for assistance, the Sheriff’s Patrol for their assistance and our VIPS that spent the day helping as well,” Pollock said.
Posted on: Sat, 03 Jan 2015 05:51:09 +0000
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