Rock Island store temporarily closed after Saturday shooting – KWQC

A Saturday afternoon shooting outside a Rock Island convenience store left property damage and prompted an immediate 24-hour emergency closure ordered by police, KWQC reported.

The incident unfolded shortly after 2:45 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31 at the Corner View Mart, located in the 2000 block of 7th Avenue, according to the Rock Island Police Department. Responding officers discovered spent shell casings on the ground alongside physical damage to the front door of the business.

Investigators determined that a suspect inside the store had opened fire with a handgun, targeting a 20-year-old man standing in the adjacent parking lot. The intended target fled the scene before police arrived, but officers later located the man and confirmed he was unharmed.

Following the gunfire, Rock Island Chief of Police Tim McCloud exercised authority under the Rock Island City Code of Ordinances to order a temporary 24-hour shutdown of the licensed premises. According to municipal code, the police chief holds the discretion to close a business without a prior hearing if the location constitutes an active crime scene where immediate closure helps prevent the destruction of evidence and facilitates the ongoing investigation, or if the property hosted a violent disturbance involving firearms.

The Investigation and Community Appeal

As the 24-hour emergency closure went into effect, investigators with the Rock Island Police Department Criminal Investigations Division launched a full inquiry into the shooting. Authorities confirmed that no suspects had been identified or named in connection with the case.

Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or possesses relevant information to step forward. Tips can be directed to the Rock Island Police Department at 309-732-2677, through Crime Stoppers at 309-762-9500, or electronically via the P3 Tips app.