Man Killed In Rockford Traffic Stop Was Wanted Out Of Minnesota

ROCKFORD, IL — The person who died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound Wednesday morning while a Rockford police officer conducted a traffic stop on U.S. 20 has been identified as a man who was wanted out of Minnesota. WVTO reported Winnebago County Coroner Bill Hinz has identified the deceased as 56-year-old Randy Pierson, who is reported to have shot himself after drawing a gun on a police officer Wednesday during the traffic stop.

Patch found Pierson to be on a September 2018 updated "Most Wanted" list out of Stearns County, Minnesota. According to the publication, Pierson was wanted for theft by swindle and theft.

St. Cloud, Minnesota's KNSI Radio News reported back in 2017 Pierson, a former owner of the now-closed boat business Avon Marine, was accused of ripping off customers of his boat shop in two separate cases, and was wanted on 15 felony counts of theft by swindle. He was added to the most wanted list in October 2017, according to KNSI.

Pierson was also accused of stealing thousands of dollars in cash and property from his customers, dating back to 2013.

KNSI said a warrant for Pierson's arrest was made on October 6th, 2017 when he failed to appear for a sentencing hearing.

On Wednesday, Rockford police said the officer pulled over a vehicle hauling a trailer just before 11:30 a.m. on Bypass 20, during which the driver of the vehicle - now identified as Pierson - pulled out a handgun. According to police, the officer fired several shots, but the man died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

More: Suspect Fatally Shoots Self During Traffic Stop: Rockford Police

Police said the officer was taken to the hospital per protocol.

The Winnebago Boone County Integrity Task Force is conducting an independent investigation into Wednesday morning's incident.

Image via Stearns County Sheriff