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Police Shooting Of A Woman In A Rockford Parking Lot Is Ruled 'Justified'

The Winnebago County State’s Attorney announced Thursday that a Rockford police officer took the right action when he shot a woman in a parking lot last spring.

On April 8, 2017, Rockford patrol officer Ben Schuster fired 6 shots at Eboney Adams, hitting her once in the arm. She had been accused of shoplifting at Dick’s Sporting Goods on East State Street. When Schuster confronted her in her car, she backed up, hitting him with her car door. Schuster said it appeared she was maneuvering to hit him again, so he shot her. Both survived.

Winnebago County State’s Attorney Joe Bruscato decided the shooting was justified, based on a review by the Winnebago-Boone County Integrity Task Force, which investigates police-involved shootings.

Schuster is back at work and Adams is in the Winnebago County Jail on $15,000 bond. She is charged with aggravated battery of a peace officer, resisting a peace officer, retail theft, criminal damage to property, and driving with a suspended license. Her next court appearance is August 21st.

Susan is an award-winning reporter/writer at her favorite radio station. She's also WNIJ's Perspectives editor, Under Rocks contributor, and local host of All Things Considered.