17 year old detained in shooting at Sterling Pizza Ranch

A 17-year-old boy has been detained in Sterling after a shooting inside Pizza Ranch, according to a news release from the Sterling Police Department.

Police were called to Pizza Ranch, 3900 East Lincolway in Sterling for a report of a shooting inside the restaurant on Wednesday, November 6 at about 7:49 p.m. The initial callers reported that a person had been shot and the suspect had fled the business on foot. When Sterling Police arrived, restaurant guests and employees had either fled the business or barricaded in place. Officers searched and cleared the business and confirmed the suspect had fled the business on foot.

The victim, a 17-year-old boy from Rock Falls who was an employee at the business, had a gunshot wound to the neck area. He was taken to CGH Medical Center for treatment and later released.

Sterling Police, Whiteside County Sheriff's Office, Rock Falls Police, Dixon Police Department, Lee County Sheriff's Office and Illinois State Police began searching for the suspect. Investigators learned that the possible suspect and person of interest in the shooting was at a home in Rock Falls. A 17-year-old boy was detained by officers without incident at about 10:14 p.m.

The investigation is ongoing and no further details will be released at this time. The suspect's name has not been released due to his age.