Floyd Brown, Alleged Gunman in Rockford Hotel Shooting, Has Long Criminal History in Illinois, Records Show

Authorities believe Brown was the gunman who shot and wounded an officer at the Extended Stay hotel in Rockford

The Springfield man police identified as the gunman who opened fire on a U.S. Marshals task force team at a Rockford hotel Thursday has a long criminal history in Illinois dating back to the 1990s, records show. 

Authorities believe Floyd Brown, 39, was the gunman who shot and wounded an officer at the Extended Stay hotel off North Bell School Road before embarking on a nearly 100-mile journey south of Chicago at a high rate of speed. He was eventually stopped by Illinois State Police near Lincoln, where a standoff shut down the interstate in both directions. 

Three months earlier, Brown, a resident of Springfield, has been identified as a burglary suspect in Bloomington, Illinois. Police said Brown fled from officers investigating the burglaries, driving without headlights at a high rate of speed before crashing in a multi-car accident. He fled the accident scene on foot, police said, and it was not clear if he was ever taken into custody. A reward of up to $1,000 was being offered for information leading to his arrest at the time. 

According to Sangamon County court records, Brown's history with law enforcement in the area dates back to 1996. 

He previously was found guilty in that county of domestic battery, resisting peace officers, criminal trespass to a residence, aggravated battery of a peace officer or fireman, reckless discharge of a firearm, possession of a firearm by a felon, reckless driving, endangering the life of a child and more. 

Court record also indicate Brown has had two orders of protection against him, though one was dismissed. 

The Thursday incident began at the Extended Stay hotel off North Bell School Road, where authorities initially said officers were investigating an "active shooter" situation. 

Rockford police said members of the task force were attempting to serve an arrest warrant around 9:15 a.m. when they were fired on. One officer was hit in the gunfire and critically wounded. 

Police said the suspect, armed with a rifle, fled the room and was not in custody as of 1 p.m. Thursday. 

Rockford police identified the suspect as Brown, who they believed was in a light blue or silver Mercury Grand Marquis with a license plate of BF13112 or a temporary plate of 4850256. 

Illinois State Police said Brown crashed in a rural area off Interstate 55 south of Bloomington, between Springfield. He remained in the vehicle as negotiations were underway. 

Police spokesman Andre Brass warned that Brown is considered "armed and dangerous." 

"We just want to end this incident peacefully with his surrender," Brass said.

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