Who is Duke Webb? Special Forces soldier from Florida charged in Illinois bowling alley shooting that killed three
ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS: The Rockford Police Department has now arrested and charged an Army Green Beret with murder and other charges in connection with the shooting that took place on Saturday, December 26, night in a bowling alley in Rockford, Illinois.
Three unidentified men, who were 73, 69 and 65 years old, were shot dead when gunfire erupted at the Don Carter Lanes around 6.55 pm, Rockford Police Chief Dan O' Shea told reporters on December 27 afternoon. A 62-year-old man remains in critical condition after he was shot multiple times, The Chicago Tribune reports. The 14-year-old victim who was shot in the face is now in stable condition at a Madison, Wisconsin, hospital and a 16-year-old victim was shot in the shoulder, treated at the scene and released, police said.
Police arrested Army Sgt. 1st Class, 37-year-old, Duke Webb, who is a Florida resident, and charged him with three counts of murder and three counts of first-degree attempted murder, according to Shea. Webb joined the Army in 2008 and is currently assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), based at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, according to a statement from the US Army. He was on leave at the time of the shooting, the statement said. “We are shocked and saddened to learn about this tragic event and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those killed and wounded," Col John W Sannes, the commander of 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), said in a statement.
The reason behind Webb's action is still not known. On Sunday, O'Shea said: ''We believe this was a completely random act, and there is no prior meeting or any kind of relationship between the suspect and any of the victims in this case.'' The bowling alley was closed due to Covid-19 restrictions. The bar, Shooters Bar & Grill, was open for outside drinking and takeout. Around 20 to 25 people were at the establishment when the shooting happened on December 26. O'Shea said: "The two teenage victims were picking up food. It's a carryout establishment as well. They were not in the bar area."
Mayor Tom McNamara said in a statement he was "angered and saddened". He added: "My thoughts are with the families of those who lost loved ones. I'm also thinking of those who were injured and my hopes are with them for a quick and full recovery."
Webb is being held without bond. He will make his first appearance in court on December 28.