Radio transmissions stating, “Shots Fired; Deputy Down” and “Request for Emergency Assistance” are words no Sheriff ever wants to hear come across the Police Radio. On Monday, September 27, 2021, Whiteside County K-9 Deputy Derek Hamstra, age 32, with 8.5 years’ experience in the Sheriff’s Office, was shot. Deputy Hamstra was shot in the foot while attempting to locate two suspects, who fled from a Deputy earlier in the morning.
Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office and the Illinois State Police will joint release additional details, regarding the apprehension of the suspects that lead to Deputy Hamstra’s injury.
Illinois State Police District 1 responded to the scene to assist Whiteside County Sheriff’s Deputies. During the attempt to locate the suspects, preliminary information following the investigation is that one bullet was inadvertently fired from an Illinois State Trooper’s weapon, striking Deputy Hamstra’s left foot. The Illinois State Police Division of Internal Investigation is investigating this incident.
For any further inquiries of the Illinois State Police and shooting incident, please contact the Illinois State Police Public Information Office at ISP.PIO.Personnel@illinois.gov.
Deputy Hamstra remains in the hospital. He shares his humble gratitude by saying, “Thank you to everyone praying for [my] speedy recovery.”
Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office arrests:
38-year-old Erik K. Jaramillo Garcia of Beloit, WI, on charges of two Counts Burglary; two Counts Aggravated Fleeing or Eluding Police; one Count County Criminal Trespass to Residence; Obstructing Identification; Driving While Licence Revoked; Speeding. Bond was set in Court on Tuesday, September 28, at $150,000 (10% applies.)
31-year-old Denise Nicole Williams of Beloit, WI, on charges of two Counts Burglary. Bond was set at Court on Tuesday, September 28, at $25,000 (10% applies.)
These individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.