Leland police investigate gas station aggravated battery

LELAND – Leland police officials are investigating an aggravated battery incident that occurred Sunday night at an area gas station.

According to a news release from the police department early Monday morning, police from several jurisdictions responded about 8:30 p.m. Sunday to the 100 block of North Main Street in Leland and determined on scene that a victim had been punched with an unknown object.

“At the time of the incident, the offender was attempting to purchase packaged liquor and other items,” police officials wrote in the release. “The victim asked to see his ID, at which time the offender punched the victim and fled north on foot from the location.”

The initial call for help indicated incorrectly that the incident was a stabbing.

Leland Police Chief Jason Bragg said Monday that the victim was taken to Northwestern Medicine Valley West Hospital and later taken to the trauma unit at OSF Saint Anthony in Rockford for injuries that were not life-threatening. He confirmed that there have been no arrests made in connection with the incident as of noon Monday.

“We’re still working through some information, but we haven’t had any concrete leads at this time,” Bragg said. “But we’re still intaking.”

The offender is described to be a Black male between 17 and 21 years old, about 6 feet, 180 pounds, wearing glasses, a black face mask and a grey hooded sweatshirt, according to the release. Bragg said the suspect fled on foot before sheriff’s officials and village police officials arrived on the scene, and the victim was the one who called 911.

La Salle County Sheriff’s officials confirmed Monday morning that they initially responded to the call, but the investigation was handed over to the Leland Police Department. Sheriff’s officials deferred additional comment regarding the incident to Bragg.

Bragg said the initial report of a stabbing turned out to be a product of social media gossip. He said the initial confusion is understandable since the face area is very vascular.

“It can appear to be a stabbing ... but it was a punch, and [the offender] happened to have something in his hand,” Bragg said.

Police officials wrote in the news release that they are encouraging anyone with additional information to contact the Leland Police Department at 815-495-9616.

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