2008 Year in Review

Whiteside County Sheriff's Reports

Self-Inflicted Gunshot

Whiteside County Sheriff’s Deputies are currently investigating an apparent shooting incident that occurred at approximately 9:30 a.m. on January 2, 2008 in rural Fulton. Thomas B. Norton, age 58, of Fulton was found in the back yard of his residence, the victim of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Whiteside County Coroner Joe McDonald pronounced Norton dead at the scene. The investigation is still ongoing by the Sheriff’s Department and the Whiteside County Coroner’s Office.

Single Vehicle Accident with Injuries

Whiteside County Deputies responded to a single vehicle crash with injuries on January 7, 2008 at 10:10 p.m. at Fulfs and Coleta Roads, rural Sterling. The investigation revealed a 1986 Oldsmobile driven by David R. Miller, 66, Sterling, was traveling westbound on Fulfs Road and failed to stop for a posted Stop sign. The vehicle struck a guardrail head on.

Coleta Ambulance transported Miller to CGH Medical Center for injuries. He was later transported to a Rockford Hospital.

Miller was charged with DUI, Illegal Transportation of Alcohol, Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid an Accident and Failure to Wear a Seatbelt.

One Vehicle Rollover with Injuries

Whiteside County Deputies responded to a single vehicle traffic crash on Ridge Road, near Riverdale Road in rural Rock Falls on January 8, 2008 at 8:20 p.m.

A vehicle driven by 17-year-old Caleb Winstead of Rock Falls was traveling southbound when he lost control of the vehicle while traveling through a curve. The vehicle left the roadway and rolled several times. Winstead and a 15-year-old passenger were taken to CGH Medical Center by ambulance. The traffic crash remains under investigation.

Rock Falls Fire and CGH Ambulance assisted deputies. Because of the use of seat belts injuries were minor.

Gas Leak

Whiteside County Deputies responded to a gas leak, Thursday night January 10, 2008 at 9:21 p.m. at 1741 Industrial Drive, Sterling. According to deputies a tank valve became stuck on the tank causing the gas to leak.

There was a report of one injury at the scene. Twin City Personnel treated the subject on scene.

Sterling Fire, Rock Falls Fire and Twin City Ambulance assisted deputies.

One-Vehicle Accident with Injuries

Whiteside County Deputies responded to a one-vehicle accident on Moline Road just west of Matznick Road. Upon arrival deputies learned a vehicle driven by Steven A. Rice, age 21, of rural Tampico, was eastbound on Moline Road when his vehicle left the roadway. Upon doing so it struck a guardrail before coming to rest. Rice refused medical treatment at the scene but his 20-year-old passenger, Alicia R. McPhillips, also of rural Tampico was transported to CGH Medical Center by CGH EMS.

Steven Rice was cited for Driving Too Fast For Conditions, Driving While License Suspended and Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle. Rice was also arrested on an outstanding Whiteside County warrant. Rice posted bond pending a court appearance in Sterling. Charges listed are accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

by  Editor, theCity1.com
January 14, 2008