Illinois Security Officer Hailed a Hero, Not a Criminal for Shooting Robber

The Rockford, IL. security officer who shot and killed a violent armed bank robber high on drugs in January will not face charges.

On Tuesday, the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office said the officer’s actions were justified, calling him a hero.

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“There is no doubt in my mind the actions of Brian Harrison saved the lives of those that were employees in the Alpine Bank location on that date and saved his own life,” Winnebago County State’s Attorney Joe Bruscato, said.

It took just seconds: From a quiet day inside Alpine Bank on N. Mulford to a masked gunman creating chaos. Surveillance video shows Laurence Turner coming in, shooting once into the ceiling, then at Metro Enforcement security officer Brian Harrison. Harrison is a former Winnebago County deputy who jumped into action.

“They are taught generally to shoot center mass in the body. This is a very dynamic, fluid situation and he’s doing what he was trained for 30 years to do and it was eliminate and take care of the threat,” Rockford Police Chief Dan O’Shea said.

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Police confirmed Turner was on drugs when he entered the Alpine Bank and shot two rounds – one in the ceiling, then one at the security officer. Harrison swiftly returned two shots which hit the suspect, who died at the scene.

https://youtu.be/x0wSfT1JIKs

“Someone who’s willing to fire a weapon rather than just carry it are always a little more important to us,” Chief O’Shea said.

Authorities said Turner was also connected to three other armed robberies in the area.

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