Stephenson County Crime Stop

Stephenson County Crime Stop CASH REWARDS FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO FELONY ARRESTS IN THE STEPHENSON COUNTY ILLINOIS AREA. About Stephenson County Crime Stop, INC

HOW DOES IT WORK?

When a call is received by Crime Stop, it is logged with the date, time, and a brief summary of the information. Callers are furnished with a secret code number which is used in subsequent transactions. If an arrest is made on a felony offender, or fugitive, the caller again contacts Crime Stop and gives the code number. Arrangements will be made for payment in CASH to preserve their anonymity. Cr

ime Stop assures that the caller remains anonymous with no pressure to reveal their identity and still collect their rewards. WHO ADMINISTERS CRIME STOP? Crime Stop is a partner between local concerned citizens and the law enforcement agencies. The operational side of the program is taken care of by law enforcement personnel, while administration is run by a Citizens' Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for overseeing Crime Stop operations. The board adopts the rules and procedures under which Crime Stop operates, and approves and makes the rewards to be paid, based on information presented by the Coordinator. HOW IS IT FUNDED? Stephenson County Crime Stop does not receive funding from any federal, state or local governmental sources. We are a volunteer organization and are supported solely by community contributions. Your contributions are needed to help.

09/03/2026

🚨 Wanted Bulletin
Have information? Stay anonymous — call 815-963-7867 or submit a tip at www.rockfordcrimestoppers.com

09/03/2026
08/28/2026
08/28/2026

For Immediate Release
August 27, 2026

MULTIPLE-VEHICLE INJURY CRASH ON ILLINOIS ROUTE 26

On August 27, 2026, at approximately 11:22 a.m., Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office personnel responded to Illinois Route 26 North near Winneshiek Road in rural Freeport for a reported multiple-vehicle traffic crash with injuries.

Upon arrival, deputies located the crash scene on Illinois Route 26 just north of Winneshiek Road. The preliminary investigation determined that several vehicles were stopped in the southbound lane due to roadway line-painting operations being conducted by an Illinois Department of Transportation crew.

While traffic was stopped and yielding to the IDOT crew, a southbound semi-tractor and tanker trailer struck the rear of a stopped vehicle. That vehicle was pushed into the vehicle ahead of it, causing both vehicles to leave the roadway and enter a cemetery on the east side of Illinois Route 26.

Before coming to a complete stop, the semi-tractor and tanker trailer struck a third vehicle from behind, pushing it off the roadway and into the ditch on the west side of Illinois Route 26.

The driver of the first vehicle struck had to be extricated by fire department personnel. The drivers of all three passenger vehicles were transported to Mercyhealth Hospital–Freeport for treatment of injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening. The driver of the semi was treated at the scene.

The semi driver, Scott Messina, age 30, of Morris, Illinois, was cited for Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid an Accident and released with a mandatory court appearance.

Illinois Route 26 was closed near the crash scene for approximately two hours while emergency personnel assisted those involved and the roadway was cleared.

The Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office appreciates the assistance provided by the Illinois State Police, Cedarville Fire Protection District, Freeport Rural Fire Department, Leamon’s Ambulance Service, and Star Ambulance.

The crash remains under investigation. All individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

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08/26/2026

🚨 Wanted Bulletin
Mugshot images may not reflect current appearance.

Have information? Stay anonymous — call 815-963-7867 or submit a tip at www.rockfordcrimestoppers.com

08/24/2026

Press Release

On August 22, 2026, Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office Correctional Officers responded to an apparent su***de attempt involving an inmate inside the Winnebago County Jail.

Correctional Officers immediately initiated life-saving measures, and the inmate was transported by ambulance to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.

The Winnebago Boone Investigative Cooperative was requested to conduct an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the inmate’s death. Because the investigation remains ongoing, no additional information is available at this time.

The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office extends its condolences to the inmate’s family and loved ones. Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis, or concerned about someone who may be struggling, is encouraged to seek assistance. Help and support are available, and reaching out during a crisis can save a life.

08/18/2026

Have you seen Reggion?
Call Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities tip line 309-762-9500 or download the app "P3 Tips".

Address

P. O. Box 786
Freeport, IL
61032

Telephone

(815) 235-7867

Website

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