3 Dead In Shooting At Bowling Alley In Rockford; Man Charged

ROCKFORD, IL — Three people were killed in a mass shooting at a bowling alley in Rockford Saturday night. Killed in the shooting inside Don Carter Lanes on East State Street were a 73-year-old man, 65-year-old man and 69-year-old man, Rockford Police Chief Dan O'Shea said Sunday morning.

Three others were wounded, O'Shea said: a 14-year-old boy who was shot in the face, a 16-year-old girl who was shot in the shoulder and a 62-year-old man who suffered multiple gunshot wounds. The 14-year-old was hospitalized in stable condition, the 16-year-old treated and released, and the 62-year-old was in critical condition after having surgery overnight.

The identities of those killed had not been released as of Sunday morning.

"We believe this was a completely random act," O'Shea said.

Charges have been filed against Duke Webb, a 37-year-old man from Florida, who Rockford police have identified as the lone shooter. Webb, an active United States military member, faces three murder charges in addition to attempted first degree murder charges for those who were wounded but survived the shooting.

O'Shea said authorities have been in contact with the U.S. Army.

O'Shea said the shooter was still inside the bowling alley when police arrived. He was taken into custody within minutes, the police chief said

O'Shea said the shooter attempted to disguise himself and hide his guns, but would not give details on how police believe Webb tried to hide himself. Shots were fired both inside and outside the building, he said. Two handguns were recovered after the attack.

"No officers fired their weapons that we know of at this point but the individual that we believe is responsible and the only individual we believe at this point to be involved, we have in custody," O'Shea said Saturday night, according to the Rockford Register Star and others.

U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-16) called the shooting a "heinous attack" and said he is praying for the victims and their loved ones.

Don Carter Lanes has been open in Rockford since 1959. Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara said the bowling alley has been a "staple" in the community for decades.

"When you think of Don Carter Lanes, you think of families coming together in good times," McNamara said Sunday morning.

The business was not in violation of any coronavirus-related restrictions, O'Shea said. The upstairs, which has a garage door that opens, was open and the downstairs, which includes the bowling alley and bar, was closed, he said.

Police said those who were shot were at the restaurant picking up food when the attack happened.

Don Carter Lanes posted on Facebook early Sunday, expressing horror at the shooting and saying a candlelight vigil is scheduled for Tuesday evening.

"The entire bowling community mourns the senseless loss of life and prays for the families," the post said.

This is a developing story. Refresh this page for updates.

This article originally appeared on the Rockford Patch