On March 26, 2015, a reported “shots fired” call brought Rockford Police officers Andrew Seale and Nicholas Alejo to the area of Bruce Street. Joshua Scheiwg was seen walking down Bruce Street near Horseman Street carrying a Winchester hunting rifle.They ordered him to drop the rifle, but he continued walking and ignored commands, moving toward Rockton Road. No additional attempts to physically engage him were reported.
Although the incident was recorded on video, it was never released publicly. Officers later alleged that after walking about half a block, Scheiwg turned back toward them and raised his rifle. Seale and Alejo opened fire. A witness told a reporter they heard approximately “20 shots in two bursts.” Scheiwg was struck once in the leg.
Following the incident, Joshua Scheiwg later pleaded guilty to one count of being an armed habitual criminal.
This case was investigated and ruled justified by the Winnebago Boone County Integrity Task Force and was recorded as the eighth such case reviewed and the ninth deadly force incident of the 2010s.